Oriskany Jr./Sr. High School students received an important message on May 7 about the dangers of distracted driving and its devastating consequences.

Speaker Jacy Good nearly died 10 years ago when a distracted driver ran a red light causing an accident that took the lives of both of her parents and left Jacy partially paralyzed.

Jacy and her husband Steve Johnson spoke to the students at Oriskany about Jacy’s personal experiences, making safer choices while driving and putting down their cellphones. Since Jacy’s miraculous recovery from the 2008 crash, the couple have worked tirelessly to educate adults and teens about the dangers of cellphone use behind the wheel. Since 2011 they have spoken to more than 250,000 people at more than 877 events across the country.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, each day in the United States, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. Cell phone use while driving is more prevalent amongst teenagers than any other form of distraction or impairment, and auto crashes are by far the number one killer of teenagers. The Hang Up and Drive program is aimed at helping young drivers establish safe driving habits early on and continuing those habits throughout life.

The hour-long presentation was held as part of Teen Traffic Safety Week. The Teen Traffic Safety Week education program is presented to Oneida County high school students annually just prior to prom season and focuses on the effects of tobacco and marijuana use, opiate addiction, bullying, work zone driving safety, teen dating/sexual violence assaults, and the dangers of texting and driving and drinking and driving.

Prior to the Hang Up and Drive presentation, Oriskany students were also able to meet with representatives from various local agencies in the Davis Gym, all focused on making smart and healthy choices.

Click HERE to learn more about the Hang Up and Drive program and Jacy's story.