Decisions (The Tony Venditti Story)

How your decision about safety belts can change the rest of your life!

Tony Venditti is a friendly, outgoing guy. He is a familiar face around West Sacramento, where he volunteered for many community organizations.

On April 19, 2001, Tony had celebrated his 21st birthday two days before. He was attending Sacramento City College and participating in theater productions, which were his passion. Two friends rounded up some young people to go to an 18-and-over dance club in San Francisco. The driver had rented a large, new SUV and needed more passengers to complete the group.

The SUV had safety belts for five. Tony was the sixth passenger. Being a good sport, he climbed into the cargo compartment, which had no belt.

As they rolled along Interstate 80, the driver pushed up the speed. He lost control of the vehicle and it rolled several times. Tony, with no safety belt, was thrown out and landed on the freeway.

His friends risked their lives to divert traffic around him so he wouldn't be run over by oncoming cars. When he arrived at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, doctors found that Tony had a broken neck and a massive head injury.

The young people in the SUV ranged from 18 to 22. They weren't looking for trouble and weren't under the influence of anything but adrenaline. Yet they made some small decisions that had big effects.

• They didn't know the driver very well.
• They allowed Tony, their friend, to ride without being buckled up.

As a result, his life and the lives of the people who love him were changed permanently.

Tony continues to recover. Although he is paralyzed, his family sees miracles daily. And Tony hasn't lost that wonderful spirit that makes him who he is.

Tony's mom, Carolyn, cares for Tony nearly three months after the crash.

Facts Incidence of spinal cord injuries is about 40 cases per 1 million population, excluding those who die at the crash scene. The U.S. population is an estimated 281.4 million. Statistics predict that over 11,000 new spinal cord injuries occur each year. The best way to protect yourself against spinal cord and other injuries is to wear your safety belt.

For more information regarding Tony Venditti, visit his web site at www.TONYV98.com.

For more information on safety belts go to the California Highway Patrol website at www.chp.ca.gov.

California Highway Patrol
Office of Public Affairs
Graphic Services Unit

CHP 949  (8/2002)