To say that Roz Thompson is passionate about educating teens is an understatement. She is a joyful force working hard to educate youth on how to stay safe behind the wheel. She also focues on the parents role in helping teens make good decisions while driving. She has been with AAA Northeast for over 20 years and is the Senior Public Affairs Specialist. I am honored to introduce you to Roz.

AAA Northeast Youth Programs/Support:

Matthew Dennison was driving home with his best friend when their car collided head on with an alleged drunken driver. Matthew was seriously injured and lost his fight 27 days after that crash. Within this episode his father, Mark Dennison, shares what happened on that day and how this crash has changed his life forever. 

This episode we interview UMASS Professors Jennifer McDermott and Shannon Roberts, who share their research about driving as an adolescent with ADHD.

Dr. Roberts is an assistant professor of industrial engineering at UMASS Amherst. Her research is in human factors and she considers human abilities and limitations when we design technology. She has a particular focus on vehicles and how we can consider information about how people drive to better inform the design of vehicles.

Jen McDermott is an associate professor in the psychological and brain sciences department at UMASS and her focus is on developmental science. Studying early childhood attention and self regulation skills that are crucial to good behavioral control. Trying to understand what are the factors that help kids develop better attention and better self regulation. How do we help adolescents become better drivers by developing and using these skills when getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

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Roberts Research Group Website: http://people.umass.edu/scroberts/index.html

APP - Behind the wheel with ADHD

Thomas is one of our Youth Driven leaders and knows first hand how one persons choice to drive impaired can impact so many people. He shares his tips on how he stays calm behind the wheel and how we all need to come together and make better choices when it comes to driving. Thank you Thomas for being so open and continue to lead by example.

In July of 2009 Joel's Feldman’s daughter, Casey was walking to her summer job. She was in a crosswalk when a 58 year old man rolled through the stop sign and struck her. Casey did not survive her injuries and was killed that day because the driver that hit her made a choice to take his eyes off the road and drive distracted. Joel has made it his life's work to educate youth about the dangers of distracted driving so no one will ever have to experience the loss and pain that his family has had to endure.

END Distracted Driving - Following Casey’s death her parents, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson, created EndDD.org and have worked to keep all of us safer on the roads from distracted drivers. Joel has personally given more than 900 presentations to about 200,000 students and adults. EndDD.org provides speakers for school presentations, as well as community and business presentations.

Within this episode we also discussed:

“Casey taught us that each and every person has a unique and beautiful story and it is in the telling of those stories that we change the world for the better.”

Post traumatic growth - People who have experienced terrible trauma survive through it, learn from it and choose to grow.

“You can’t cure my grief but knowing that I can talk to you is helpful”

"I' statements are powerful and work. ~ 

"I feel nervous when you are driving and looking at your phone.”

“Mom, Dad I love you but I don’t feel safe when you are driving and look at your phone.”

Grace is a passionate and kind student leader that truly cares about traffic safety. She shares in this podcast her perspective about distracted driving, impaired driving, drowsy driving and how important it is to have the courage to speak up to your peers about making safe choices. 

Tony Silva has over 40 years exsperiance in law enforcement and traffic safety. He was the Lincoln police officer for almost 20 years and then became the police chief in Cumberland for 10 years. After retiring from the uniform he ran the Rhode Island Police Academy for 7 years, next he worked for the division of motor vehicles for 3 years and lastly, worked for the Lt. Governor. 

Satanvi is a wonderful student leader at Youth Driven and she shares her take on all traffic safety topics. Including distracted driving, the dangers of speeding, seat belts and impaired driving. She shares how teens her age view cannabis vs. alcohol when driving and shares why you should never drive under the influence.

Alex is a wonderful student leader at Youth Driven and she shares her take on all traffic safety topics. Including distracted driving, the dangers of speeding, seat belts and impaired driving. She shares how teens her age view cannabis vs. alcohol when driving and shares why you should never drive under the influence.

Francie Mantak is the victim advocate for MADD RI and she couldn't be more perfect for this position. She is so kind and truly cares about the families and survivors she supports. During this episode we discuss what services she provides as a Victim Advocate, how this job has impacted her life and how important it is to address grief in a healthy way. Below is her contact information and a full description of services a MADD Victim Advocate provides.

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 401-421-0800  x5403

Website: www.MADD.org

To be put in touch with a MADD Victim Advocate in your area or if you need to speak with someone immediately, call MADD’s Victim/Survivor Helpline at 1-877-MADD-HELP (877-623-3435).

A person’s life is forever changed following a drunk or drugged driving crash. Many victims and survivors are left not knowing what to do or where to turn. MADD Victim Services is here to help those following the aftermath of a crash at no cost to the victim.

Victim Services Provided at No Charge- we strive to provide as many services as possible to victims of drugged and drunk driving crashes. Listed below are some examples of services that MADD may be able to provide, the actual services provided will be based on availability.