Family of RP student who died wants changes along highway

There isn't a moment that goes by where Tracy Bennett doesn't think about her son, Chase Bennett.

Chase Bennett, was a 17 year-old student at Riverton Parke High School, who lost his life in a single vehicle accident along State Road 163 near Lyford earlier this year.

"His smile was amazing, and his personality was infectious. He was your typical teenage boy, but he was such a good person. He made people feel seen. He was a friend to everyone. He had a heart of gold, and he never missed a chance to tell people he loved them, especially me. I miss him more than words can say, but knowing he is still impacting people, even in death, makes me feel proud of him," Tracy Bennett told The Parke County Post. 

Tracy Bennett said she made it to the accident scene while her son was still in the vehicle because of a Life360 notification.

"I relive that day every time I pass it heading to work in the mornings. He wasn't speeding. He wasn't on his phone. We aren't sure what happened. I guess God needed him more than we did," she said. 

And, now, Tracy Bennett is optimistic that a change will come along that stretch of highway, as she is pushing INDOT to install guardrails in the area where Chase was killed. INDOT, however, has said that due to crash history and other factors, there are no plans to install guardrails at this time, but that's not stopping Tracy Bennett, who has over 2,000 signatures on a petition. 

"There is a huge drop off where Chase had his accident. Had guardrails been installed prior to his accident, he may still be here. The day Chase had his accident, the first responders were risking their own safety to get him out and then get him up the hill to the ambulance," she said. 

Despite INDOT's initial response, Tracy Bennett intends to keep the pressure on, and is asking the public for their help.

"It is important for the community to get involved because INDOT has already stated they are not going to put the guardrails in at this moment. They've also stated lack of crash data, but one life should be enough crash data. The more the public is involved, the more they will have to listen," Bennett said.