Mom shares story of son's fatal crash

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Mile for mile, teens are involved in three times as many deadly crashes as all other drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Many of those deaths are caused because of a deadly decision - not buckling up.

That idea has become one mother's mission.

"I don't look forward to going to these classes," Angie Bass tells WCNC from her living room. It is decorated with family pictures and pictures of her son Austin. Speaking at driver's education classes is something she wishes she didn't have to do.

"It's the hardest thing I've ever done, to stand and tell Austin's story," she said.

When she shows his picture, it is hard for her to hold back the tears. Austin died at 16.

The car he was riding in hit a guard rail on Interstate 85, throwing him from the passenger seat.

He wasn't wearing his seatbelt; it was a mistake that killed him.

"One minute you have your child, your loved one, and the next second you don't," she said.

Almost three years later, Austin's mom can't look at the accident report, but she can talk to students about her son, his death and the decision that changed his life.

"It is a constant daily struggle for me, but this has given me an avenue to funnel my grief in a very positive way," said Bass. "I have to keep telling myself it's going to make a difference other family members and friends won't have to go through what were' going through."

Bass started the Austin Baker Foundation after her son's death. In addition to speaking at driver's education classes in Iredell County, the group raises money for scholarships.

Tomorrow at Lakewood Golf Course in Statesville, they're holding a charity golf tournament in Austin's memory.