ODESSA, TX (KWES) - According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Midland and Odessa are ranked the highest in the state for drunk driving fatalities. But there's more than the statistics that act as a reminder to not drink and drive.
One sign off Crane and 385 is a perfect example. It was just put up this week.
Like any sign, you'd drive by and read its message. But for Tera Crossland, this sign has a deeper message she wants you to remember.
It reads, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. IN MEMORY OF NATHANIEL SILVAS. OCTOBER 1 2017.
"If you could feel what our crushed hearts feel," said Crossland. "I guarantee you'll think about it twice."
Crossland's life changed the night of Oct. 1 2017, when her son Nathaniel Silvas was driving his girlfriend Brianna Garcia home. A drunk driver hit them head on, and while Garcia fortunately survived, Silvas didn't make it. The drunk driver also died from the accident.
"Everybody who drives by here everyday, remember, this 16-year-old's life was taken and our family lives have changed forever," said Crossland.
Now Crossland doesn't come home to her only child. Instead, she comes home to the pick-up Silvas drove that night that sits behind her home.
Looking at it becomes overwhelming for her but she hopes it serves as a reminder of the drunk driving dangers. That's why she's planning to start a non-profit in Silvas' memory, called Need Advice, Talk Experiences. A group to help teens and the community discuss issues like drunk and distracted driving or bullying.
"He was an amazing, intelligent, bright, just go-lucky, great kid," said Crossland. "He was wonderful in school, just everything he did was all about helping others."
Crossland has a scholarship fund set up to give back to students ready for college since education was so important to Silvas.
"Me being able to keep his memory alive no matter what it is, the smallest act of kindness or anything at all, it's what keeps me going every day and the grace of God," said Crossland.
All of this won't bring Silvas back. But maybe it can change someone's decision before they get behind the wheel. So families, including other mothers like Crossland, will still have their loved ones waiting when they come home.
Silvas' girlfriend is doing well and spending time with Crossland.
Any donations for the scholarship can be made at Frost Bank to Nathaniel Silvas Memorial Account.
Crossland has plans to grow the non-profit as it's still in the early stages. She wants to bring the truck Silvas drove that night around to show the community the reality of drunk driving. If you would like to help her out, contact her here: teracrossland@yahoo.com.
