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Thursday, September 15, 2011
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U.S. DOT Releases New "Faces of Distracted Driving" Video Featuring 5-Year-Old Xzavier Davis-Bilbo
Mother Valetta Bradford of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Discusses the Crash that Paralyzed Her Young Son
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 Xzavier Davis-Bilbo from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
WATCH: "Xzavier Davis-Bilbo" - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oymnC-tM79o
On October 10, 2010, 5-year-old Xzavier was crossing the street near his home in Milwaukee when he was struck by a young woman who was texting while driving. Xzavier, who had dreams of becoming a football player when he grew up, was left paralyzed from the diaphragm down.
"The crash that paralyzed young Xzavier is a tragic reminder of the potential consequences of distracted driving," said Secretary LaHood. "I hope that everyone who hears his story will remember to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their focus on driving."
The video released today was produced by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and submitted for inclusion in the "Faces of Distracted Driving" series by Xzavier's mother, Valetta Bradford.
"I hope anyone who thinks it is okay to text and drive watches our story," said Valetta Bradford. "You can't take your eyes off the road at any time."
"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 family members who have 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.
WATCH: "Faces of Distracted Driving" - www.distraction.gov/content/faces
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 http://www.distraction.gov.