An event designed to draw attention to the dangers of distracted driving will observe a major milestone this weekend.
“Just Drive Day” will mark its 10th anniversary at a big event Saturday in Monticello.
Amy Lavalle and her husband, Greg, of the Monticello area organized “Just Drive” after their son, Phillip was struck and killed by a distracted driver. Phillip was a star runner, and was out for a run not far from his home when the fatal incident occurred.
Amy said the organization was formed to honor their son’s memory, and to do everything possible to prevent more tragedies…
“We knew we had to do something to bring this to people’s attention, because there are so many people distracted by their cell phone, and too many people are being injured or killed due to distracted driving.
Lavalle says it’s frustrating to see and hear about many distracted driving incidents despite Minnesota law that was crafted to try to curb some of the dangers of driving while holding or operating a cell phone…
“Minnesota is now a “hands-free” state, which means you are not to be holding your cell phone in your hand for any reason. However, we continue to see people ignoring the law. There are other distractions too, eating, shaving, there’s just all kinds of distractions so we try to raise awareness of all of those things. Anything that takes your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, or your mind off the task of driving is distracted driving.”
Just Drive is partnering with Safe Communities of Wright County and the Minnesota Safety Council to present the 10th anniversary event Saturday in Monticello. A two-mile walk, run or bike trail, the “seatbelt convincer”, free child car seat checks, many concessions for sale, and register to win prize drawings.
Just Drive Day runs from 9 AM to 12 noon at the Monticello Middle School, at 800 Broadway Street East in Monticello.
More information is available at; www.justdriveday.org.
(KRWC Radio will broadcast live from the 10th Anniversary Just Drive event on Saturday.)
