ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — An individual whose life was profoundly affected by distracted driving shares their experience to caution others about the consequences during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
“I nearly lost my life when I was employed at Harley Davidson,” stated 29-year-old Brandon Smith.
I was riding a motorcycle to a dealership," Smith recounted. "A distracted driver struck me. This accident cost me significant parts of my life. It resulted in a metal frame being placed in my sternum and rods inserted into my spine. Additionally, I suffered brain damage as well as dental injuries. Facing this harsh truth has been incredibly difficult.
Smith mentioned that he is still unable to ride a motorcycle due to the incident.
According to data, distracted driving incidents have risen by approximately 30% per mile between 2019 and 2023. report as provided by the Insurance Information Institute.
According to Smith, Illinois ranks as one of the worst offenders.
Illinois is ranked as the eighth most deadly state for driving influenced by distractions," Smith went on. "Take a moment to let that fact settle. We are among the top ten states where people are losing their lives due to using their cell phones.
Studies indicate that teenagers are particularly vulnerable to distracted driving. On average, 11 adolescents lose their lives daily due to crashes involving texting and driving.
A few parents from across the state have decided to take matters into their own hands when we recently discussed this issue.
What we've done is install a charging cord of considerable length inside the glove compartment. If someone wants to charge their phone, that's where it should be placed," explained Grant Goldenstern, father to two teenage drivers. "To avoid the urge to swap it with another one in the vehicle, we secured it firmly in position. We experiment with various methods; some prove effective. Ultimately, each person has to find what suits them best. In our case, all I can say is that it remains an ongoing struggle.
A parent recently purchased a vehicle for their 17-year-old child and expressed ongoing concerns about distracted driving.
You're at an intersection, and when you look left and right, all you see are memorials," stated Ana Montoya. "This is truly alarming.
Smith, who works at the nonprofit organization Slowdown-Moveover, feels that every individual has a role in contributing to safer road conditions for all.
It all boils down to the parents," explained Smith. "It also depends on driver’s education, and the State of Illinois needs to enforce stricter regulations.
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