Parents of teen who died share message - #lakewoodnews

"Always buckle up, and remember that kindness matters."

It's a simple pledge to remember, and family and friends of Lakewood High School senior Mackenzie Forrest --; also known as Little Mac --; hope it will save lives.

The Forrest family is teaming with the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol for two weeks of Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement.

The program began May 23 and runs through June 6. During that period, the state patrol will focus on enforcing the wearing of seatbelts while driving. The patrol's zero-tolerance policy is always in effect, said Maj. Steve Garcia with the Colorado State Patrol, but it will be particularly important for these two weeks.

Forrest, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident on March 13, hadn't been wearing a seatbelt, which could have saved her life.

"This is such an important message," said Holger Forrest, Mackenzie's father. "If Mackenzie had been wearing her seatbelt, she would've graduated this weekend."

Here are some important points to remember:

Point 1: Steve Garcia, major with Colorado State Patrol: "The reason we issue seat belt tickets is to save lives, period. Our goal is to have 100 percent compliance, because everyone is someone's son or daughter, brother or sister."

Point 2: Holger Forrest, Mackenzie Forrest's father: "So many of you are going to college or joining the workforce, and you will have so many choices. But one thing that isn't a choice is buckling up. It will save your life. And be kind to everyone, both on and off the road."

Point 3: Toscana Tornillo, Forrest family friend: "I was really close to Lil Mac, and she inspired me to do my best every day and enjoy life. I took the pledge because it is so important, and saves lives."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Parents-of-teen-who-died-share-message,214208