This past week, cell phone distracted driving survivor advocate, Jacy Good, spoke at Sachem High School East and Sachem High School North to help students understand the consequences of driving while distracted. In May of 2008 a cell phone distracted driver ran a red light and caused a crash that killed both of Jacy’s parents and left her clinging to life.
“Jacy has a very compelling story and it’s one that resonates with people, especially teens and young adults,” said Carol Todaro, Assistant Principal from Sachem East. “Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens and it’s important that teens understand there is a time and place for everything. Calling, texting, updating Facebook or shuffling through an iPod should never be done while operating a multi-ton vehicle.”
“What was supposed to be the happiest day of my life, turned into my worst nightmare,” said Good. “People need to understand the dangers of using a cell phone – handheld or hands-free – while driving. My parents are gone and my life has been changed forever because of a driver who chose a cell phone conversation over safety. People need to understand what’s at risk and that their actions have life-long consequences.”
After the loss of her parents, Jacy joined FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving, a national nonprofit group that supports cell phone distracted driving victims and their families and provides opportunities for those families to educate the public by sharing their stories. FocusDriven has partnered with the National Safety Council through a grant awarded by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to provide Good’s presentations in schools across the state. Those interested in having Jacy speak at their school should email srotoolkit@dmv.ny.gov.
Additional traffic safety information can be found at: www.safeny.ny.gov/SRO-Toolkit
About FocusDriven
FocusDriven – Advocates for Cell-Free Driving (focusdriven.org) is a nonprofit advocacy organization for victims of motor vehicle crashes involving drivers using cell phones. FocusDriven supports victims of cell phone distracted driving and families of victims. Its goal is to increase public awareness on the dangers of cell phone distracted driving by putting a human face on the disastrous impact of the behavior, in order to promote corresponding public policies, programs and personal responsibility.