Thousands participate in Auto Club’s ‘Walk to End Distracted Driving’
LONG BEACH, Calif. (FOX 11) - Thousands of people gathered in Long Beach Saturday morning to take part in AAA’s ‘Walk to End Distracted Driving’.
The community event raises awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.
“Today was about taking this message out to the streets to let drivers, pedestrians, bicyclist see us walking for a very important cause. To encourage people, drivers to put those smartphones down when behind the wheel,” said Doug Shupe spokesperson for the Auto Club of Southern California.
During the event over 1,000 shoes were on display for all to see. The shoes represent the number of people killed or injured daily by distracted driving. In 2017 distracted driving killed 3,166 people nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
A survey completed by the Auto Club found adult drivers in Southern California who more likely to drive 'Intexticated' are between the ages of 25 and 39.
The survey also found 1 in 10 Southern California drivers admit to regularly driving intexticated.
“These are tragedies that can be prevented with education,” stated Shupe during the walk. “On average it takes about 5 seconds to send and receive a text message. Traveling at 55 miles per hour that’s like going the entire length of a football field blindfolded. You can only image what can come in front of your vehicle in that length of a football field.”
Related: 14-year-old killed, younger sister in critical condition after being stuck by vehicle in south L.A.
Fundraiser held for family of 14-year-old killed, sister critically injured while walking to school
The walk was led by a family member who lost his two nieces during a traffic collision.
14-year old Marlene and 12-year old Amy Lorenzo were both killed by a truck driver who police say was distracted.
The girls were walking to school in South L.A. on April 4th when they were struck near the intersection of Broadway Place and 37th Street. Police say the driver was on his phone looking for music on YouTube when he ran into the girls.
“It’s sad that two beautiful angels passed from this world, because someone was not paying attention to the road,” said Tony Lorenzo, the girl’s uncle.
He hopes no other families suffer like they did.