Sunday, July 25, 2010

There Are No Acceptable Losses? Run to Remember to Keep Kids Alive!

In modern warfare we often hear reference to the phrase, "acceptable losses." In military terms, this implies that there is an "acceptable" number of casualties to be expected in order to achieve a goal, such as winning a battle or winning the war itself.


While the idea of "acceptable losses" is certainly open to debate (is it acceptable to die in order that others might experience freedom and justice?), when it comes to deaths and injuries that result from the use of motor vehicles, is even one death acceptable?


If we were to answer "yes" to this question, how would any of us approach surviving family members of victims of traffic incidents to explain why we believe that there are acceptable losses that go along with the privilege to navigate roadways throughout America, and throughout the world for that matter?


Further questions emerge, that include, can we justify deaths caused by speeding, all manner of cell phone use and other distracted driving behaviors, running stop signs and lights, tailgating, drinking and driving, ignoring school crosswalks when children are present, and not buckling up? After all, these are behaviors that are within our control. We are the ones who make the decisions behind the wheel. As such, we too, are the only ones who can make the decisions to change behaviors that lead to, on average, 93 loved ones dying on American roadways each and every day of the year. That is almost 34,000 deaths in one year. Are these deaths acceptable?


It is in memory of these 34,000 loved ones that each year several of my family members and I participate in the Pike's Peak Ascent Trail Race in Colorado as a "Run to Remember." None of the families of the loved ones we run to remember would say that the death of their daughter, son, mother, father, brother sister, grandchild or cousin was an "acceptable loss." And yet,the death of their loved one is a loss they grieve each day.


In part, the mission of Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 is to do all we can to engage every motorist in being a part of creating a driving environment to push the needle to zero deaths - the only acceptable number. Just ask the families of all those whose loved ones have died and for whom we run to remember on August 21st on Pike's Peak.


Learn about how you can make an acceptable difference to combat all deaths on roadways at www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org. Why? Because there are no acceptable losses - not when the loved ones are yours.


In safety,

Tom Everson

Founder - Keep Kids Alive Drive 25

402-334-1391

Monday, July 19, 2010

Remembering Those Who Have Died This Week-Keep Kids Alive!

Each week in America hundreds of loved ones die in traffic incidents. They are our daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and friends. A simple "Google Alert" from the past week brings stories of tragic deaths from every corner of the U.S. These include:


I invite you to do something to make a positive difference when it comes to making sure your loved ones and the loved ones of others arrive home alive from their travels today - whether around town or around the country. Visit www.KeepKidsAliveDrive25.org to make this difference.

"Don't let the two minutes you 'save' be the last two minutes of someone's life." Dave Townsend - Tia's Dad.

In safety,
Tom Everson
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25-A Non-Profit "For Action" Organization 501c3
402-334-1391

Friday, July 16, 2010

A Moral Imperative: Seeing Beyond Ourselves to Keep Kids Alive

Often we focus on the celebratory aspect of a teenager receiving his or her license to drive. It is a marker - a right of passage, a ticket to "freedom."

But what does this "freedom" imply?

My favorite definition of "freedom" is "the ability to love (or care) in all situations." This definition brings with it great responsibility. The first of these responsibilities when receiving a driver's license is the need for each of us to see beyond ourselves. This means we are responsible for every decision and action we make behind the wheel. We are responsible for observing speed limits, stopping at stop signs, observing all traffic signals and signs, maintaining safe distance between our vehicle and others, buckling up, slowing in the presence of children playing, bicyclists, pedestrians, and any obstacles that may impede our vision or create the potential for tragedy.

There is never an age at which these responsibilities expire. They are 24/7 commitments that we pledge to ourselves and everyone else on or near the road when we sign our name on our license. At its core, a driver's license is a commitment to the safety and welfare of all we encounter on roadways, including our own personal safety. If we all commit to take this responsibility to heart each time we get behind the wheel, we will find ourselves better able to exercise true freedom - to care for ourselves and others in all situations. Right this moment is not to early to begin.

"Don't let the two minutes you 'save' be the last two minutes of someone's life." Dave Townsend - Tia's Dad.

In safety,
Tom Everson
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25-A Non-Profit "For Action" Organization 501c3
402-334-1391