Hey, distracted driver: Watch where you’re going

Editor’s Note: Zach Paquette of Faribault was recently in a motor vehicle crash in which the other driver fled the scene. His grandparents are Gene and Judy Fisher of Owatonna. Gene Fisher is the retired police chief of Owatonna and currently serves as a special deputy with Steele County. Zach’s mother, Melissa Paquette, has a message for the driver who fled.
To the distracted driver who was speeding, traveling in the wrong lane and chose to flee the scene:
This morning (Dec. 1) while on the way to school, you gave my son a split second to decide if he hits you head on or hits the ditch. He chose the ditch and smashed into a tree because of you. There were skid marks from him trying to avoid you, car parts scattered everywhere, a totaled vehicle... and you chose to leave! 
See the kid in this picture? That kid is my world! My son could have been taken from me forever because of your stupid decisions! And then to think that you just kept going?! Unimaginable.
Thankfully my son will be okay. He was very lucky and I truly believe someone was watching over him this morning. 
Because you kept driving with complete disregard for what you had caused, you weren’t able to see me when I hugged my son tightly and cried because I was so thankful he wasn’t hurt. You weren’t able to see his parents loading up everything from the car, speaking with the police and shaking our heads in disbelief. You also weren’t able to see how my son was concerned about removing the “Ratzloff Strong” sticker from the back of his car; a sticker that’s been there for 4-plus years as a reminder of how his cousin battled and beat cancer. Sadly you missed all of these moments because you chose to keep going.
Yes the car is totaled, and we’re all a little shook up but “things” can be replaced, my son cannot.
Slow down, pay attention and drive safe because one day you may find yourself in this situation. Should that ever happen, I genuinely hope someone stops for you.
 
 
Melissa Paquette is the corrections program director for the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Faribault. She is a graduate of Owatonna High School.