Join us for our next Allstate Readiness event at the White Plains Library, Wednesday, May 11 from 7-9 pm when we welcome an incredible panel of experts to tackle the topic “Drive Safely Into Summer” – a session dedicated to protecting teen drivers and parents. Our panelists include:
Jacy Good and her fiance Steve Johnson became safe driving advocates after Jacy was seriously injured and her parents were killed in a traffic accident caused by a teen. The accident, which took place on the same day as Jacy’s graduation, irrevocably changed her life and her future. As she recovered, Jacy and her fiance have dedicated their lives to educating teens and adults about the dangers of distracted driving.
Rik Paul has been the automotive at Consumer Reports since 2000 and recently participated in a national conference on texting and driving spearheaded by Consumers Union and the Department of Transportation.
Steve Mochel is co-owner of Fresh Green Light, a driving school in Rye, NY which has been recognized nationally for its innovative driving simulators. Ford Hybrid cars with in car cameras and classroom and online learning. He’s also the father/step-father of four children.
Susan Murphy is a licensed clinical social worker and a Student Assistance Counselor, serving in this role at White Plains High School for 11 years. She is also the advisor to the high school’s students against drunk driving chapter.
The White Plains Library is located at 100 Martine Avenue. The event is funded by a grant through the Allstate Foundation.
Distracted Driving Shatters Lives
I recently attended an event held at Consumer Reports Headquarters that was truly a wake up call for anyone who has been guilty of texting or talking on a handheld cell phone while driving. In a study released by Consumers Union and the Department of Transportation, it was revealed that over 30 percent of young people admit to texting and driving. Additionally, in 2009, over 5500 people lost their lives due to distracted driving and over 450,000 individuals were injured.
But even more eye opening than the statistics, are the real people whose lives were irrevocably shattered as a result of distracted driving. Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood introduced the DOT’s latest Public Service Announcement campaign that shares the stories behind those statistics. I happen to have been sitting next to one of the victims’ family members who was featured in a PSA. Miss 2010 South Dakota lost her 21 year old brother Kelson Vaillancort when the driver of the car he was in was texting, crossed over into the wrong lane and had a horrific collision with a truck.
Take a look…
Eyes on the Road: A Safe Driving Event
Recently, the White Plains Library Foundation Presented the first installment in the “Allstate Readiness Series”
Savvy Moms/Safe Teens: A Four-Part Program Series.
Our first event featured four people committed to making the world a safer place to drive. Our speakers shared first-hand about the dangers of distracted driving and provided expert advice on preparing teens to be safe drivers. Make a family pledge to X the TXT! (an initiative of Allstate to put an end to texting and driving.)
Take a look…
Speakers included…
Beth Feldman, founder of RoleMommy.com and editor in chief of Project You Magazine will be moderating this important event for parents and teens and our speakers include:
Emily McKhann, is co-founder of TheMotherhood.com, an award-winning web community for mothers, and co-founder of Mom Sends the Msg (momsmsg.com), a public service campaign aimed at reducing distracted driving that has involved hundreds of mom bloggers across the country. Emily a Westchester resident, and her business partner, Cooper Munroe, worked with producers of The Oprah Winfrey Show on Oprah’s “No Phone Zone”segment.
Sgt. Luis Muniz works for the Community Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives Division of the White Plains Police Department, and has been involved in the school community as a School Resource Officer and as the advisor to the Explorers, a program for high school students interested in careers in public safety.
Kim Orlando, is founder of Traveling Mom.com, the nation’s top website and blog network for traveling families. Kim is a national travel advocate for moms, and provides travel commentary for BlueSuitMom.com, MomTalkRadio, and the Jane Air Crew by Wyndham. Her site has been featured on Oprah.com, RedBook and the Wall Street Journal.
Heather Vandenberghe is a writer and public safety advocate, and the lead proponent of Elle’s Law. Elle’s Law was passed in NY State in August 2010, making it a crime to strike a pedestrian while driving recklessly. Advocacy for safer streets has become a primary focus for Vandenberghe since her daughter was struck by an SUV in the fall of 2009. Prior to this shift in focus, she had a successful career in marketing for over 15 years. Heather was recently featured in the New York Times profiling her emotional journey and her perseverance in getting Elle’s law passed.
This program is made possible by a generous grant from The Allstate Foundation to the White Plains Library Foundation. Free admission. Refreshments will be served.