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

Family of Pennsylvania 21-year-old Casey Feldman Speaks of Their Loss

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.  The video was submitted by friends and family of Springfield, Pennsylvania native Casey Feldman, a 21 year old who was struck and killed by a distracted driver as she crossed a street in Ocean City, New Jersey in 2009.

WATCH: “Casey Feldman, 21” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPrZCCjrFLs

“I’m honored that the Feldman family chose to share their story in our series,” said Secretary LaHood.  “Distracted driving is an epidemic on our roadways, and I hope that everyone who hears Casey’s family and friends speak about their tragic loss will remember to keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel.”

“Telling Casey’s story – of the kind of person she was and how she died – helps me and my family and her friends as we grieve her loss,” said Joel Feldman, Casey’s father.  “It helps us to know people think of Casey, that she is not forgotten, and that lives are being saved through her memory.”

“Faces of Distracted Driving” is a video series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use while driving.  It features people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes.  In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and half a million were injured in accidents involving a distracted driver.  The series is part of Secretary LaHood’s effort to raise greater awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.