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

John T. Gordon of Marion, Ohio, Remembered By His Parents

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 John T. Gordon from Marion, Ohio.

WATCH: “John T. Gordon, 35” – http://youtu.be/dQ-FJqmcxq8

John T. Gordon was a law enforcement officer and father to an 11-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl.  On May 18, 2008, John was riding his motorcycle on Ohio State Route 4 when a young man driving a truck swerved into oncoming traffic.  John was struck and died instantly.  Records later showed that the driver was using his cell phone at the time of the crash.

“John Gordon was a beloved son, husband, and father who lost his life in a crash that was preventable,” said Secretary LaHood.  “Even a momentary distraction behind the wheel can have devastating consequences, and I hope all drivers who hear this story will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their cell phones in the glove compartment.”

“Before our son was killed, I never thought about people using their cell phones while driving.  But now, I see it everywhere,” said John’s mother, Lois Gordon.  “The birthdays, the holidays, our son walking his daughter down the aisle – we’re missing all of these moments because of something as insignificant as a cell phone.”

“Faces of Distracted Driving” is a video series that raises awareness about the potentially tragic consequences of texting and using cell phones 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.

The U.S. Department of Transportation encourages anyone who would like to share their distracted driving experiences to email: faces@distraction.gov.

To learn more about USDOT’s efforts to stop distracted driving, please visit www.distraction.gov.

 

Published 8-17-2012