Newspaper’s crash coverage took wrong angle

“It probably never will be clear just how fast ... ,” the beginning of the first sentence in the July 15 story with the headline, “Survivor recalls crash,” about Jim and Jared Friedrichs’ devastating loss as a result of their accident on July 7, is yet another shameful example of the Sauk Valley Newspapers’ staff using sensational journalism.

It is unfortunate that the SVN staff chose this path, instead of making this the story of a quick-thinking hero who risked his life, his son’s life, and his irreplaceable tractor to avoid an accident that would otherwise have taken the lives of the people in the car pulling out in front of him.

The first sentence of this article clearly implies that Jim was driving too fast, when in fact, the other driver was clearly at fault – something that is supported by the officials investigating the accident.

Readers should look at the pictures from the accident for themselves. If Jim would not have swerved away, the people in that car would clearly have been killed. They were mere inches away from being crushed.

Instead of receiving the true story, we are given an innuendo on how Jim “plowed into a house” and how the state is not going to re-create the accident, so we will never know how fast he was going. 

Shame on you, SVN, for taking this approach. I sincerely hope you will reconsider the angle you take on these things in the future. If not, perhaps you should consider a name change. National Enquirer might be willing to take you on. 

This is not news. It is malicious gossip.