Lascassas parents Norbert and Sondra Braunwalder wondered how they would memorialize their 13-year-old son, Clifton, on the first anniversary of his death. Clifton, a Boy Scout, was changing a flat tire on his mother’s car when he was struck and killed by a suspected impaired driver April 10, 2014 on Interstate 24 near Sam Ridley Parkway. A Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper charged the driver, who is in jail while awaiting trial.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office deputies asked the parents if they would participate in a DUI checkpoint in Clifton’s memory. The parents chose the first anniversary of his death as the day for the Clifton Braunwalder Memorial Sobriety Checkpoint. The checkpoint will be from 11:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. at U.S. Highway 70 South (John Bragg Highway). The checkpoint is in partnership with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office.
“Clifton would have been deeply touched to have someone remember him,” said Sondra Braunwalder. “It’s a great tribute.”
Through the checkpoint, the Braunwalders want drivers to be educated about not only drinking and driving but not driving impaired by taking prescription drugs, pain killers and illegal drugs. These drugs may cause the driver to be sleepy and slow to react.
His parents don’t have any animosity toward the driver who struck Clifton.
“Clifton wouldn’t want us to hate her,” Sondra Braunwalder said. “We have to learn to go on.”
Tony Burnett of the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, said the checkpoint will send a strong message.
“Out of tragedy, you will send a strong message not to do certain things (driving impaired),” Burnett told the parents. “Your presence and a picture of your son at the checkpoint are better than any billboard or ticket. It really is effective for people to listen. ”
