Johnson Family Stresses Use Of Seat Belts After Near Tragic Crash

Area high school student Avery Johnson is more grateful than ever for her good health and bright future after a near tragic crash occurred about five miles outside of Culbertson during 2024.

Johnson, a junior at Medicine Lake High School and member of Froid/Lake’s athletic squads, was heading home from Sidney on Aug. 9 after a tiring couple of days. She was very accustomed to the route since was raising her pigs at her aunt Stacey McNally’s farm and also was working at Meraki Boutique in Sidney.

LeAnn Johnson, Avery’s mother, explained about the trip, “She knew she was getting tired and had the air conditioning on high. She was eating sunflower seeds to stay awake.”

At about 10 p.m., Avery lost her battle against sleep. Her vehicle drifted across the highway. She woke up when the vehicle hit reflectors and then went airborne for about 80 feet. Thankfully, the vehicle landed upright.

Once the vehicle stopped, Avery attempted to call her mother. Her vehicle’s Bluetooth phone automatically dialed 9-1-1.

LeAnn said Avery told her that she was in a crash, didn’t know where she was exactly was and she was scared.

“It was very dark. There wasn’t a moon that night,” Avery remembers.

LeAnn knew roughly where Avery crashed because she received a text from her a short time earlier when Avery was driving through Culbertson.

“I was not calm,” LeAnn said about her reaction after the phone call. “My husband [Josh] got a little upset with me because I wasn’t calm. I just wanted to get to her.”

Fortunately, a woman and son from Plentywood weren’t too far behind Avery and they stayed with her until emergency personnel arrived. Roosevelt County Deputy Moore was fueling up in Froid and was at the scene quickly.

“He was there about two minutes after it happened, even before he got the dispatch call,” LeAnn said. “The ambulance and EMTs were there super quick.”

Avery suffered only sore muscles and some burn marks from the air bags. Her parents were extremely thankful upon arriving from Medicine Lake.

LeAnn said law enforcement told them that as far as Avery flew, she would had quickly been out of the vehicle if it wasn’t for the seat belt and air bags.

“All I say is hug your kids so tightly and tell them you love them as much as you can,” LeAnn said.

A lot of love was expressed in the Johnson family that night along with days to come.

“My mom slept in the same bed with me that night and said she loves me,” Avery said. “My dad gave me a big hug.”

Avery’s close friend Jordyn Breuer spent some quality visiting time with Avery.

The mother says she is thankful that so many people use seat belts now compared to years ago.

“We always have, even in town,” LeAnn noted.

The high school junior now stresses the importance of safe driving habits to her friends such as not driving if you’re overly tired and to always use your seat belt.

“Seat belts and airbags do save people,” Avery said. “If you’re tired, pull over. Don’t count on sunflower seeds and gum.”