The Driving Safety Podcast #13 - Jacy Good, Distracted Driving

Summary

JC Good, a survivor of a tragic crash caused by distracted driving, shares her powerful story of loss, recovery, and advocacy. After losing both her parents and suffering life-altering injuries from a distracted driver on the day of her college graduation, JC turned her pain into a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. As co-founder of Hang Up and Drive, she works tirelessly to promote safer roads through campaigns, public service announcements, and lobbying for stronger laws. Her message is clear: no phone is worth a human life.

Takeaways

• 😀 JC Good's personal story highlights the tragic impact of distracted driving, as she lost both of her parents and suffered life-altering injuries after a distracted driver caused a collision.
• 😀 Distracted driving, particularly texting and driving, is responsible for a significant number of fatalities, with estimates suggesting nine deaths per day in the U.S. alone.
• 😀 JC's advocacy centers on raising awareness about distracted driving and pushing for stricter laws to prevent it, as seen in her work with organizations like the National Safety Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• 😀 The driver who caused the accident that altered JC's life was using a cell phone, and despite causing the deaths of JC's parents, received only a minimal penalty because texting and driving was not illegal at the time in Pennsylvania.
• 😀 The ripple effects of distracted driving tragedies, like JC's, are far-reaching, affecting not only victims but also communities and individuals who may have never met the victim.
• 😀 JC's advocacy efforts have reached global audiences, including a notable appearance at the United Nations, where she highlighted the global epidemic of distracted driving.
• 😀 The public service announcement (PSA) created for AT&T’s 'It Can Wait' campaign effectively conveyed the emotional toll of distracted driving, showing a shift in tone from casual to serious as JC shared her personal story.
• 😀 The lack of legal consequences for distracted driving in some regions has motivated JC to advocate for stronger legislation and stricter enforcement of existing laws.
• 😀 Despite JC’s traumatic experience, she has channeled her pain into a mission to prevent further harm, speaking at various venues and inspiring others to make a pact to drive phone-free.
• 😀 JC believes that the most effective way to combat distracted driving is through a combination of public awareness, stricter laws, and technological solutions that make it harder to use phones while driving.

Q & A

What was the main motivation behind JC Good's advocacy work on distracted driving?

JC Good's advocacy work stems from the tragic loss of her parents and her own life-altering injuries caused by a distracted driver. She became a passionate advocate for road safety, particularly focusing on preventing texting and driving, after surviving a severe crash caused by a distracted driver who was using a cell phone.

What happened to JC Good and her family on May 18th, 2008?

On May 18th, 2008, JC Good and her parents were involved in a head-on collision with a tractor trailer while traveling home from JC's college graduation. The crash occurred when a distracted driver, an 18-year-old man texting on his phone, ran a red light and caused the truck to swerve and crash into their vehicle. JC's parents died at the scene, and JC suffered severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and paralysis in parts of her body.

What are some of the long-term effects JC Good experienced from the crash?

JC Good suffered lasting physical and cognitive effects from the crash. She spent several months in the hospital recovering from severe injuries and a traumatic brain injury, which left her unable to use her left arm and leg. She also deals with lingering cognitive issues that continue to affect her life.

What organization did JC Good co-found, and what is its mission?

JC Good co-founded the organization 'Hang Up and Drive,' which advocates for cell-free roads and works to raise awareness about the dangers of texting and driving. The mission is to reduce distracted driving and save lives by encouraging drivers to put down their phones while on the road.

How has JC Good spread her message to a broader audience?

JC Good has shared her story widely through speaking engagements at high-profile venues like The Oprah Winfrey Show and the United Nations. She has also worked with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Transportation Safety Board. Additionally, she is featured in a PSA for AT&T's 'It Can Wait' campaign, which has reached millions of viewers online.

What key message did JC Good convey in the public service announcement for AT&T's 'It Can Wait' campaign?

In the 'It Can Wait' PSA, JC Good conveyed the critical message that there is nothing more important than a human life, urging viewers to recognize the dangers of texting and driving. She shares her personal story of how distracted driving destroyed her family and changed her life forever, encouraging others to put down their phones while driving.

What was the reaction from the participants in the 'It Can Wait' campaign when they learned about JC Good's story?

The reaction from the participants in the PSA was profound, as many were visibly impacted by hearing JC's tragic story. Some even vowed to change their behavior by making a pact to stop texting and driving. The shift in tone during the video, from light-hearted to somber, highlighted the seriousness of the issue and helped the participants realize the real-life consequences of their actions.

What legislative changes did JC Good advocate for in Pennsylvania following the crash?

After the crash, JC Good became involved in efforts to pass distracted driving laws in Pennsylvania. Although there were no laws in place at the time of her accident, she worked to get a texting and driving ban passed in the state. The first version of this law was enacted in 2011, though JC has continued to push for stronger legislation and better enforcement.

What challenges does JC Good face in pushing for stronger distracted driving laws?

One of the challenges JC Good faces is the political resistance to stronger distracted driving laws. Despite the clear dangers of texting and driving, some lawmakers continue to oppose stronger laws, often citing concerns about the impact on personal freedoms or the enforcement difficulties. JC advocates for more comprehensive laws and better public education to address this growing issue.

How does JC Good stay motivated in her ongoing efforts to raise awareness about distracted driving?

JC Good stays motivated by the knowledge that distracted driving continues to claim lives every day, and the ripple effect of such tragedies is far-reaching. She draws strength from the people she has impacted through her advocacy, including young people who have pledged to stop texting and driving after hearing her story. She remains determined to make a difference, despite the ongoing challenges.