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Dawne’s Story

There are moments in life that divide everything into a “before” and an “after.” For me, that moment came on a morning drive into work and a deafening silence that followed a horrific motor vehicle crash caused by a distracted driver.  I used to believe that being a safe driver was enough. I followed the rules. I was cautious.  I was a good driver.  I never imagined I’d be involved in a crash — until I was.

That moment—one I never saw coming—forever changed the course of my life. The physical trauma was only part of the journey. The emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing would take far longer. Navigating the aftermath was isolating at times, and I quickly realized that while trauma rooms can mend broken bones and diagnose severe injuries, there was little guidance for healing a broken life. That’s why I founded the Crash Support Network—a community created by a crash survivor, for survivors. Through sharing my story, I realized something powerful: I was not alone. And no one else should feel that way either.

Creating the Crash Support Network was a turning point.  Creating a space where survivors, families, and advocates could come together—not just to share stories of pain, but to offer hope, strength, and solidarity.  What started out as a safe space to connect with just one person that understood what I was going through, quickly became a safe haven for others bearing the same fate.  I soon realized that recovery is not just possible, it’s powerful.

Road Safety and Survivor Support Go Hand in Hand

While numerous organizations, law enforcement agencies, road safety campaigns and news stations continue to work hard to reduce crashes through awareness, we must also uplift those who have endured the unimaginable. Survivors need more than just medical care—they need compassion, validation, and a community.  It’s showing up for those whose lives have been turned upside down.

Everyday we hear heartbreaking journeys.  Stories of hardworking people whose lives are turned upside down by motor vehicle crashes. Through no fault of their own, they’re left unable to work, care for their families, drive a vehicle, or enjoy the simple moments that once brought them joy.  We not only address the cause of motor vehicle crashes; we also lift up those who’ve been impacted.  When we combine prevention with compassionate support, we create a powerful force for change.

At the Crash Support Network, we share more than just experiences—we share purpose and heal together. We advocate for safer roads, provide resources, educate others and listen to survivors.  Whether you’re a survivor or a loved one of someone impacted by a crash, you are part of a growing community. Because behind every statistic is a real person. And behind every survivor is a story worth telling and support is essential. Through our network, we offer understanding, connection, and compassion. We offer a safe space where individuals don’t have to explain the impact of trauma—because we’ve lived it too.   

The Crash Support Network is proud to partner with We Save Lives in the fight against the 3Ds: drugged driving, distracted driving, and drunk driving. Together, we stand united in being part of the solution—committed to saving lives and making our roads safer for everyone.

If you’ve been affected by road trauma or want to support someone who has, I encourage you to connect with us.  At the Crash Support Network, we believe in turning pain into purpose—one story, one voice, one step at a time. Together, we can make our roads and our hearts a little safer.

For more information on the Crash Support Network, we encourage you to visit:  www.crashsupportnetwork.com.

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