Friday's front-page Butler Eagle article "Driver jailed for role in fatal crash" qualifies as a must read for young people involved in driver training as well as new drivers who already have gotten their license.

The article about the fatal crash covered the Butler County Court sentencing of Robin Charles Brain of Kennerdell, Venango County, one of the two drivers responsible for the Route 308 death of 19-year-old Christina Williams of West Sunbury on Nov. 11, 2008.

The sentencing of Mason Spencer of Clay Township, who was 16 when a drag race between he and Brain ended in tragedy, was the responsibility of the juvenile court. Court records of juvenile proceedings are not open to the public, although in this instance it would be instructive to new, teenage drivers, if they were allowed to be.

Brain and Spencer, who did not know one another before the crash, began their ill-fated race after Brain tried to pass Spencer's car in a marked passing area. The cars reportedly raced at speeds of 95 to 105 mph, even while going around two bends in the road.

The crash happened when Brain, seeing the headlights of Williams' car, cut off Spencer's path to avoid a crash. However, Spencer lost control of his car, which slammed into Williams' vehicle.

Williams was en route to the Clearview Mall, where she planned to meet friends.

At Thursday's sentencing of Brain, who will serve 4 to 8 months in the county prison and must comply with other requirements and penalties handed down by Judge William Shaffer, members of Williams' family said they hope, if nothing else, that the case sends a message to teenage drivers to slow down and to take driving seriously.

That is part of why parents of new drivers should regard Friday's article as a must read and a teachable moment for their children. However, older drivers who have a penchant for irresponsible driving also should heed the message in the article.

Brain and Spencer are living with the results of their irresponsible action, but they still are alive. Not so Williams, whose potential for a full and productive life was snuffed out in a tragedy that did not have to be.

As Brain did on Thursday, Spencer reportedly accepted responsibility for his actions during his previous appearance in juvenile court.

In court Thursday, Brain, addressing Williams' family and friends prior to his sentencing, said, "I can't imagine the grief I've caused you guys. I know I don't deserve to be here with you guys. I don't deserve to be walking."

His attorney, Michael Antkowiak, told Shaffer that Brain already is punished by the outcome of his actions in a manner far worse than incarceration.

In fact, people who are truly sorry for a tragedy they've imposed on others do carry remorse with them for the rest of their lives. That would seem to be the case for Brain, even though, on the evening of the crash, he fled the scene, rather than stop and provide assistance.

It is to be hoped that Brain, who as part of his sentence also must log 150 hours of community service, will be made to perform that service in the meaningful mission of educating young drivers of the possible consequences of irresponsible driving. In that way, he might help save lives, even though on Nov. 11, 2008, he was responsible for ending one.

On that November evening, Brain and Spencer were exercising aggressive driving and defiant confidence in their ability to best the other, not only regarding the capabilities of their cars but also regarding their driving skills. That exercise ended up as tragic stupidity, for which both now are paying a severe price.

But however severe, their sentences show a degree of mercy. Williams received no mercy at all at their hands.