CANYON, TEXAS -- Two teenagers were involved in a serious truck accident in 2009, but they may have survived for a very important reason.
They're now being used as examples to other teens across Texas.
A report released by the Texas Department of Transportation states that more than 50 percent of teens and passengers killed in a motor vehicle accident were not wearing their safety belts.
One dad says telling your kids to "click-it" isn't always enough.
"It starts at home. It starts with your children seeing the parents do it everyday and when the parents make it a habit the kids do what their parents do. So, if the parents buckle up and preach it, the kids will buckle up because it will be second nature to them," said Aubrey Garrett, local dad.
Local teen driver, McKenzie Jackson, says seeing is believing.
"You're always taught that you need to wear your seat belt and stuff, but you never really fully understand until you see stuff like this or you're actually in that spot. You can't just put yourself higher and say that's not going to happen to you cause you never know."
Garrett says learning by example in this case is a life-saving lesson.
"A little bit of reality goes a long way toward teaching these children buckle up cause you never know when an accident is going to happen so be prepared."
The two teens involved in that accident survived because of their seat belts and were released the same day with only minor cuts and bruises.
You can tell someone how much you love them by sending them a safety-themed virtual valentine and be entered into a drawing to win an iPad at the same time here.
