After Casey’s death, one of her colleagues on her college newspaper told us that Casey taught her that everyone has a unique story and if you listened carefully enough you would hear that story. Telling one’s story and having someone really listen and hear that story can be powerful and can change both the story teller and the listener.

The story of the EndDD.org/60forsafety 2012 Student Awareness Initiative is that a Philadelphia trial lawyer’s daughter was killed by  a distracted driver and more than 800 trial lawyers volunteered to speak out in her memory about distracted driving from Hawaii and California to Maine, Texas to North Dakota, Florida to Washington State and many of the provinces of Canada. When our first year’s initiative concludes, Casey’s story and the story of the senseless and needless loss of life from distracted driving, will have been told to more than 40,000 students. By telling Casey’s story and the stories of others killed by distracted driving, we have saved many lives. I know that many of us telling Casey’s story have also been changed. We have changed the way we drive and hold closer those that we love and could not bear to lose. See the attached page below for feedback from speakers and students.

We are working with the researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and will be analyzing the data obtained from the surveys and the helpful suggestions provided by speakers to make future presentations even more effective. Our goal for 2012-2013 is to speak with more than 100,000 students. Secretary La Hood from US DOT has taken note of our effort in his blog, middle schools, high schools and colleges are reaching out to us to do presentations, as are community groups and hospitals. Victim’s families have joined our effort as have those who have killed through their distracted driving. Collectively we have created a movement, shown how trial lawyers get things done and that trial lawyers care. We will be reaching out to you to help us expand our effort and take advantage of this opportunity to save lives.

Parents who have lost children fear that our children will be forgotten and that their lives will not have made a difference. Because of your efforts lives will be saved and we are making a difference. It is an incredible gift to us to be able to remember Casey in such a special way. We will forever be grateful for your willingness to tell Casey’s story and look forward to working with you to build a safer future for everyone. Please consider making a contribution to help us expand our initiative at caseyfeldmanfoundation.org.

What speakers & students are saying about the presentations:

Speaker Comments

“The videos about Mr. Feldman’s daughter and the sister speaking of her text to her older sister at the time of a fatal wreck were powerful and made a true impact on the kids.” — Tim Pickell, Esq. Westwood, KS

“After the presentation a student came up to me and shared that his parent had killed someone when driving distracted. He shared his perspective of the tragedy and how that has affected this young man—who does not

drive distracted now.” — Chris Marzzacco, Esq. Harrisburg, PA

“I spoke at Andrew Jackson Senior High in Jacksonville. One young lady, watching the bus driver filling out papers and driving with his knees, said “My mama does that.” The teachers were very pleased with the level of

participation.” — Wayne Hoganl, Esq. Jacksonville, FL

“WOW! What a refreshing experience! Today is one of those days where you feel good knowing that you might just have saved a life. The kids were really excited and participation was excellent. One of the most rousing

responses came when I fessed-up to being a distracted driver in my past. I made the confession in my opening remarks and it was smooth sailing from there.” —George Boath, Esq. Stratford CT

“I felt the kids really embraced the message because they all acknowledged watching their parents drive while distracted. Several students vividly described situations when they were fearful for their own safety

while riding with their parents!” — Ed Manzke, Esq. Naperville, IL

“It is my honor to be associated with your worthy campaign. This program helped me realize how stupid I have been in the past by using a cell phone while driving, especially when I am usually talking to people

that mean so much to me such as my wife, friends or my clients.” —From an attorney presenter in Western PA 

Student Comments

“In a few days, I’m getting my license and I’m not going to be a distracted driver. My mom will text and drive a lot and it freaks me out. If something is that important, have the passenger text for you.” —Gabby

“The presentation was sad to me, about how many people die because of a phone or looks or food. All it really takes is to care enough to just pay attention for the sake of others. I didn’t realize that there were so

many consequences for distracted driving until this presentation.” — Sarah

“The presentation made me realize that all those little things while driving make a big difference. When you are driving distracted you not only put your life at risk but everyone around you. I want to do something to stop

these deaths and it has to start with myself. I’m going to make an effort to not let myself be distracted and to let others know too.” — Morgan

“Getting into a car or bus with anyone who is not a concentrated driver is putting yourself at risk no matter how experienced the driver may be. And you should let the person know that you don’t feel safe and offer to text

for them or ask them to put their phone, makeup, IPod anything that is the distraction away. It can happen to anyone.” — Hanna

“It surprised me how much slower and distracted you can be from talking on the phone. Also those videos were very sad and made me never want to be a distracted driver. I promise I will try my hardest to not be

a distracted driver so others and I may be safe.” — Alyssa

Yesterday after school my mom was texting while she was driving and I told her to put her phone away whenever the kids are in the car. And now this morning she left her phone at home when she was driving us to

school. Thanks for saving lives! —Alfaro

Related Links:

EndDD.org

60ForSafety

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

“End Distracted Driving Reaches Out With Safety Message”, U.S. Dot Blog Post