OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Thursday is a somber one for some as countries around the world remember those killed in traffic-related accidents.

The same was true at the Omaha office of the Nebraska National Safety Council, as 2024 marks the second time the state has commemorated World Trafficking Day. Those who have lost loved ones on our nation’s roads have a tough message to drive safely.

Annie Eichele and Susan Booth share a sad sisterhood. Both have lost loved ones in road accidents.

Susan’s niece, Ashley Wooden, 12, was riding in her father’s van in November 2007 at 132nd and Blondo Streets in Omaha when she was killed.

“The Lord just blew through the light,” said Susan. “(Ashley’s dad) turned and flipped and rolled his van and unfortunately we lost Ashley.”

A roadside marker at the intersection remembers Ashley and what she never had the chance to become. If that wasn’t bad enough, Susan lost another family member to a distracted driver.

“In 1993 I also lost my brother David to a traffic light accident,” said Susan.

Instead of letting these tragic events destroy her, Susan became active. He now works with the Nebraska Safety Board.

“So this is very personal and I think that’s what people need to realize,” Susan said. “People need to understand that when they’re behind the wheel and they mess up their phone, or they mess up with the radio or any of those variables, they need to think about how it’s not just their lives that affect them when they’re behind the wheel, but all the people are around them.”

Thursday was also very personal for Annie Eichele. Her grandson Bobby Howard, 15, was playing in his Utah neighborhood in September 2022.

“A pickup truck wanted to cut off traffic, so it drove through the neighborhood at twice the speed limit and hit my nephew,” Annie said. “It was instant.”

Annie’s son is Bobby’s age. She says it makes the pain harder.

“My brother isn’t getting his boy ready for college,” Annie said. “I have another niece and nephew from my brother and they are fantastic, but they have to go through this as Bobby’s brother and sister. That’s hard.”

Annie says the driver who killed Bobby wasn’t even charged. That lack of closure makes losing Bobby even harder.

“Maybe the guy just wants to apologize and just say ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,’ but they haven’t even gotten that yet,” Annie said.

While Ashley and Bobby are joined forever by tragic events, so are Susan and Annie – they’re part of a club neither of them wanted to be a part of. But unfortunately, they are not alone.

“Even if you’re grieving, there are people who want to be there, to be there to listen, to be there to help you and just love you,” Annie said.

Annie and her son are participating in the Pikes Peak Ascent in Bobby’s honor along with the Zion Half Marathon in Utah. She said the run starts where Bobby was killed and ends at the cemetery where he was buried. They then meet up with Bobby and his family while there.

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