Fatal Accident

Re “Safety While Driving,” Ventura County letters, June 27.

Like so many in the Conejo Valley, I was upset to learn of the events that resulted in the untimely death of the bicyclist in Westlake Village. However, to print a letter calling the act “reckless” is equally upsetting.

I have had the privilege to know 17-year-old Jordan Lampos for several years and I can assure you this is not a reckless individual. He is an exceptional student, athlete and person. Additionally, his father (who is an educator) and mother are caring people who have done an excellent job raising this young man. I guarantee that they are not reckless people.

The sheriff’s department ruled the incident an accident. If reckless driving was involved, investigators would have stated so.

Of course it is terrible for two young children to lose their father. My family was deeply affected by this tragedy. Yet nothing is gained by inciting the community by accusing a teenager of being reckless.

I believe the community would be better served by using this unfortunate incident as a learning experience.

As the father of a boy Jordan’s age, I used this as an opportunity to sit down with my son and talk about safety, once again. Experiences like this, however unfortunate, can happen to adults as well as teenagers.

I have been praying for all affected by this tragedy. All parents should pray that nothing like this ever happens to their family and use this as a teaching tool--not as a means to make a bad thing worse.

RON LEAVITT

Thousand Oaks

* Re Deputy Robert Evans’ comment on the culpability of Jordan Lampos, whose car plowed into a group of cyclists June 12: “There was no intent here. There was just a mistake.”

Not to disparage Deputy Evans, but when are drivers going to take responsibility for their actions? [A similar case of inattentive driving] by another teenager three years ago killed my innocent mother, leaving many grieving family members.

If Mr. Lampos is so distracted driving in Westlake Village at 9 a.m. on a Saturday, heaven help those who meet him in real traffic.

It seems time for drivers to take responsibility for their actions. My heart goes out to the victim’s family, which has been so saddened by “just a mistake.”

MICHAEL COBB

Northridge