The tragic death of a teenager earlier this year in Laurens County have his parents urging state leaders to consider putting strong penalties into law when it comes to distracting driving.

Brayden Wilson of Houston County was just 15 when he died from a brain hemorrhage after the SUV in which he was a passenger was struck from behind on Interstate 16. The Georgia State Patrol say the SUV was stopped in an area of the interstate where road construction was being done when a driver who was going too fast for conditions hit the vehicle causing it to overturn. The accident occurred on February 27. Brayden lost his life and his brother has been left with a traumatic memory following the crash.

The boys’ parents Sarah Lavoix-Wilson and James Wilson are asking lawmakers to support a new initiative they have entitled Brayden’s Law.

An online petition has begun with supporters calling for tougher first offense consequences including higher fines, points against driver’s licenses, and required driver’s education before the case can be closed.

The Wilson say if passed Brayden’s Law won’t bring their son back, but they hope it will encourage drivers to pay closer attention to their driving habits before another family has to suffer a similar loss of a loved one.

To read or sign the petition, log onto change.org and search for Brayden’s Law.