Media sensationalism was inappropriate

In June, my daughter was in wreck with her daughter. I have issues with the Bee's account of this and the use of unsubstantiated facts. I'm only allowed 250 words to refute their story.

My daughter made a mistake and took her attention away from driving for a moment. This caused her to flip her car three times and end up in a ditch. Danielle was not on the phone texting as stated, for no proof of this was ever found. She also had no airbags deploy due to the fact they were disabled. She and her child was properly seat belted (with the exception of the baby being up front) and they were unharmed. That is not the safest place for an infant and my daughter learned a huge and costly lesson. Danielle was guilty of inattentive driving and takes responsibility for the wreck. She was not reckless that day and in no way meant to harm her child. She had an accident.

The situation has been a nightmare. She has been in numerous papers, news programs, and on the radio. Her story can be educational, but not the way it was presented. The Bee and I disagree on this. I am very fortunate my daughter and granddaughter lived through this wreck and I hope other teen drivers learn from this.

Also, it is my responsibility to protect my child, but not absolve her from consequence. I accept her legal judgment, but I do not the media sensationalism.

ROBIN EICH

Cocolalla