Distracted Driving Summit

This past Thursday, October 1st I was in Washington DC speaking at the Distracted Driving Summit that was put on by the Department of Transportation. I was on a youth panel that was put on by Ann Shoket from Seventeen Magazine. The panel consisted of Reggie Shaw, Natalie Hayford, and me. It was a very cool and life changing experience. I have so much respect for both of them.

Reggie Shaw was 19 years old when he was driving to work in Utah; it was just like any other day. He was on his cell phone, sending and receiving texts. It had been something he was comfortable with, just like I was. All of a sudden he drifted across the center line and struck another car. There were two men in the car, and they were both killed on impact. It was very emotional hearing his story. He is such an amazing person, and never intended on hurting anybody. You can tell he carries a burden with him everywhere he goes. I know Reggie would never want to hurt anybody; he was just using his cell phone. After Reggie’s accident, Utah has one of the strictest laws in the United States when it comes to texting and driving. He now goes around to schools in Utah talking about his experience and the importance of texting and driving. Watch Reggie's emotional story, it is very life changing.

Natalie on the other hand had no emotional experience when it came to texting and driving. She realized how dangerous it was by common sense. She is very involved in her school and in her local SADD chapter (students against distracted driving). I have a lot of respect for what she does just to look out for her peers. She makes me want to take back time and get involved in my high school.

The panel was an experience in itself. I didn’t get as nervous as I expected. When you are speaking from experience, there are no lines to practice. Watch the video, it’s on the bottom right titled "Youth Panel"

Have a great day :-)