U.S. DOT launches “Faces of Distracted Driving” video series
Last updated Nov 20, 2010 — 44 views
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood this week launched “Faces of Distracted Driving,” a series of online videos aimed at driving home the “tragic consequences” of texting or using cellphones while driving. The videos feature people who’ve been injured or lost loved ones due to distracted-driving crashes.
According to the Department of Transportation, distracted driving killed nearly 5,500 people in the U.S. last year and injured an additional 500,000.
“These videos are dramatic evidence that the lives lost to America’s distracted-driving epidemic aren’t statistics. They’re children, parents, neighbors, and friends,” said LaHood. “These people have courageously come forward to share their personal tragedies in order to warn others against making the dangerous decision to talk or text behind the wheel.”
In the following 44-second video, Secretary LaHood introduces the Faces of Distracted Driving video series:
Watch the Faces of Distracted Driving videos
The first three videos in the series are summarized below. Click the photos to view each each video…
Margay Schee, age 13 — On September 23, 2008, 13-year-old Margay Schee was riding home from school when a semi-truck slammed into the back of her school bus. She was killed when rescuers were unable to get her out of the burning wreckage.
Julie Davis, 58 — On April 15, 2009, 58-year-old Julie Davis set off for a hike with her best friend in Rudolph, Wisconsin. As they were walking along the highway, a 19-year-old driving at 70MPH struck Julie from behind, killing her instantly.
Ashley Johnson, 16 — On May 10, 2010, 16-year-old Ashley Johnson was killed when she lost control of her vehicle, crossed the center line, and hit a pickup truck head-on. Although her father had warned her against cell phone use behind the wheel, she was texting at the time of the crash.
More videos
More videos will be added to the series on an ongoing basis, so visit the DOT’s The Faces of Distracted Driving website to view the latest.
Add your voice!
The DOT encourages Americans to share their own experiences with distracted driving by posting videos on YouTube and emailing the links to the DOT’s distracted driving website.