By Jovon Dangerfield, Founder of Kingdom Activists and Community Activist
The third Sunday of November marks the World Day of Remembrance (WDoR) for Traffic Victims, a day when families like mine pause to remember loved ones whose lives were taken too soon. This year, I am remembering my son, Cameron Dapri Dangerfield.
Cameron was 20 years old when he was killed last October by an impaired driver in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5 in Kings County. No parent should ever have to bury their child. No family should have to experience the phone call that changes everything.
Yet far too many of us do.
My son was more than the circumstances of his death. He was outgoing, compassionate, and driven to help others. He dreamed of creating a nonprofit that would provide clothing and resources to families in need. He was a talented writer and musician, a gifted athlete, and a young man building a future. He had helped launch a new business territory in Sacramento for the company where he worked in sales and was beginning to make his mark on the world.
Today, my life’s mission is to make sure Cameron’s name is heard so that his legacy lives on.
Like many parents who have lost a child, I experienced overwhelming grief, anger, depression, and heartbreak. For a time, I found myself asking unanswerable questions. Eventually, I realized I had a choice. I could allow bitterness to consume me, or I could channel my pain into something that might help save lives.
I chose advocacy.
Long before Cameron’s death, I dedicated my life to community engagement, youth development, and helping people find hope. My work often focused on intervention and rehabilitation. After losing Cameron, I realized prevention had to be part of that conversation, too.
I’ve learned that facts alone do not change behavior. People are moved by stories and connections. They are moved when they understand that a single decision can alter countless lives.
Too often, impaired driving is normalized. People convince themselves they are fine to drive. They believe the least impaired person in the group should take the wheel. They tell themselves they will figure it out later. The reality is: no level of impairment is acceptable behind the wheel. Yet too many people take that risk.
Every impaired driving crash creates a ripple effect that extends beyond the individuals involved. Families suffer. Friends grieve. Communities lose future leaders, mentors, parents, and changemakers.
My advocacy is driven by a commitment to honor Cameron’s life and help prevent other families from experiencing the same loss. While anger is a natural part of grief, I chose to focus on solutions. True justice means examining the systems, influences, and choices that contribute to these tragedies and working to change them.
My hope is simple. I want people, especially young adults, to think three times before getting behind the wheel after drinking or using other substances that impair. Have a plan before you go out. Call a ride. Use a designated sober driver. Make the decision before the first sip and before impairment takes away your judgment.
On this WDoR for Traffic Victims, I ask you to remember Cameron and the thousands of people on our roads every year. I ask you to honor them through action.
The future of our youth is at stake. One choice can save a life. Please make it the right one.
To learn more about Kingdom Activists, visit Kingdom Activists. To find out more about WDoR for Traffic Victims and to share your story, visit Go Safely, California.
