Distracted driving claims more than 3,000 lives every year, and a single text message is all it takes to change everything forever. API Agency has stood behind Phones Down Just Drive for over 2 years, drawn to a mission that hits close to home for anyone in the business of protecting people from life’s worst moments.
Phones Down, Just Drive works to end senseless tragedies caused by distracted driving by educating drivers of all ages, raising awareness about the dangers of mobile phone use behind the wheel, and advocating for stricter legislation. The organization brings its message directly to schools and communities, including events during Distracted Driving Awareness Month where a crashed vehicle is brought to local high schools as a powerful visual reminder of the consequences.
That message became deeply personal during a voluntary event at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, AZ, where founder Julie Festering shared the story of losing her 21-year-old daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend in 2019 after a texting driver rear-ended their car into oncoming traffic. The room went silent.
“I was grateful my daughter was there to hear Julie’s firsthand account,” Alexis Paterson shared. “Inspired by her message, I began giving phone holders to new drivers as a reminder to keep their phones out of their hands. As my daughter begins driving, those lessons have been invaluable.”
A $10,000 Make More Happen award would help Phones Down, Just Drive expand school outreach, distribute phone holders to young drivers, and fund transportation costs for educational events.
Vote for API Agency and Phones Down, Just Drive to help make our roads safer for everyone.