Local Mother Working To Save Teens From The Dangers Of Distracted Driving

Tammy Guido’s life was changed forever on October 26, 2019 when her son, Joseph Conner Williams “Gweedo” Guido, was one of three teens killed in a car crash coming home from the Tabb High School Homecoming Dance. Since the incident, in which the unlicensed teen driver her son was riding with was driving at a speed of more than 70 mph in a 35 mph zone, Guido has been working to prevent the same fate for other families.

Guido started a nonprofit foundation in honor of her son, The Conner Gweedo Memorial Foundation, and has helped get two Virginia laws passed related to teen driving. Additionally, she’s created a nationwide website, www.ifyouseesomethingsaysomething.org, that enables teenagers across the country to anonymously report any dangerous behavior, whether it is reckless driving, driving without a license, doing drugs, bullying, or any other risky behavior.

“This gives kids a voice to be able to speak up anonymously,” Guido said. “Kids know things, but are afraid to speak up. A lot of people could have spoken up the night of the crash, but they didn’t. I want to fight, to do something to change things. What happened to him shouldn’t have happened.”

Conner, 16, was a star athlete on Tabb High’s soccer team and was also a part of the track team.

“Being able to give Conner a lasting legacy is important to me,” Guido said. “It doesn’t bring him back, but we are helping others.”

By Brandy Centolanza May 10, 2023