A message for students as they get ready for spring break: one decision can take it all way - lives and freedom. ABC 27's Brandon Beyer reports this story of tragedy and healing.

We say tragedy and healing because that's exactly how these two families are healing from this tragedy. By reaching out to students like the ones at Chiles today, who start spring break tomorrow.

It was about 2 o'clock in the morning, six years ago, when then 24 year old Eric Smallridge decided to drive home after a day and evening of drinking.

He was just a few minutes into his drive home when his Jeep Cherokee swerved out of his lane and hit a small compact car, killing the two 20 year old girls inside.

Renee Napier, the mother of Meghan, one of the girls killed, now drives across the country spreading her message to high school and college students.

That it only takes one second to change so many lives forever.

"My strength and my healing changed the way I think," Napier said.

Renee tows the wreckage of her daughter's car with her from state to state as part of her presentation. She's been from California to New York sharing her message.

Eric Smallridge was sentenced to 22 years after being convicted of DUI manslaughter.

But due to his relationship with the victims' families, and their willingness to forgive, his sentence has been reduced to 11 years.

Through video he spoke to the Chiles high school students today asking them to think twice, and have a plan if they plan on drinking.