Every time we buckle up and start the engine, we are carrying more than just ourselves—we are carrying hopes, dreams, and the future of our families. We are carrying the ones we love, and those who trust us to come home.
Far too many journeys end in tragedy because of driving choices that can and must stop. According to the NHTSA, in 2023 there were 3,275 lives lost in crashes involving distracted drivers. That means 3,275 families, friends, and communities changed forever by a moment of inattention. When you look away from the road—even for a few seconds—you risk everything.
When someone drives under the influence, the results are equally devastating. A split second of impaired judgment can take a life. It can destroy a family. It can irrevocably change a community.
These aren’t numbers—they are real people. Mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, children and neighbors. And it’s our responsibility—our duty—to keep them safe.
Every one of us has the power to make the road ahead safer:
•Put the phone down. Using a handheld device behind the wheel increases the risk of a crash dramatically.
•Stay sober. If you have been drinking or using substances that impair judgment, do not drive.
•Drive with awareness. Focus your eyes, your hands, your mind on the road. Pay attention to the journey—not the distraction.
•Protect one another. If you see a family member or a friend about to drive unsafely, speak up. If you see someone impaired, help keep them off the roads.
And yes—there must be consequences. When a driver’s reckless behavior causes severe injury or death, it must be met with accountability: large fines, loss of license, and when appropriate, criminal penalties. Because when we allow dangerous driving to go unchecked, we are saying lives are less important than convenience. We must never accept that.
We must also invest in safer roads, better education, and stronger enforcement. We must support our law-enforcement officers and our emergency responders, and give them the tools they need to protect us. We must build systems where safety is the rule—not the exception.
Because when our roads are safe, our families are safe. When drivers act responsibly, communities flourish. When we stand together—united in purpose and compassion—we safeguard the future for everyone: children growing up, parents watching over them, grandparents counting on their legacy.
Let us commit, from this moment forward, to make every ride be a safe ride. To make every journey home one we can anticipate with joy, not fear. To make every road a pathway to opportunity, peace, and life.
Together, we will protect our roads, protect our loved ones, and protect our future. We will choose awareness over distraction. We will choose responsibility over recklessness. We will choose unity over harm.
Thank you—and let’s drive toward that better tomorrow, together.