U.S. Department of Transportation Releases New “Faces of Distracted Driving” Video

Alison Holden of Washington, DC, Recounts Her Recovery from a Devastating Distracted Driving Injury

WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today released the latest video in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Faces of Distracted Driving” series, featuring the story of Alison Holden from Washington, DC.

WATCH: “Alison Holden” – http://youtube/wyUHzRDj734

On April 27, 2009, single mom Alison Holden was driving to work when she was rear-ended at a stoplight by a driver who was sending a text message.  She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.  In the months after the accident, she suffered from short-term memory loss and struggled to care for her son while recovering from her injuries.  She required extensive physical therapy, and she still feels effects from the crash today.

“Alison Holden’s experience reminds us that distracted driving crashes don’t have to be fatal to have devastating, long-term consequences,” said Secretary LaHood.  “I hope all drivers will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their cell phones in the glove compartment.”

“Distracted driving stole two years of my life.  It robbed my son of two years with his mother," said Holden.  “No text message is important enough to risk ruining someone's life.”

“Faces of Distracted Driving” is a video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving by sharing the stories of families who have been affected by this deadly epidemic.  In 2010, over 3,000 people died in crashes related to distracted driving.  The series is part of Secretary LaHood’s ongoing efforts to raise greater awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.