On November 23, 2007, Jessica and Kelli Uhl were traveling home from visiting with their Dad and stepmother. While traveling on Highway 64 in heavy, post-holiday traffic the girls were struck by an oncoming Illinois State Highway Patrol vehicle that was traveling at an estimated speed of 126 miles per hour. It is reported that the trooper was using his onboard computer and cellular phone while driving at this high rate of speed when he crossed the median and struck the girls' car. Both Jessica and Kelli were killed in the crash, and another vehicle carrying a pregnant woman and her husband was also struck; the couple also sustained injuries.
The state trooper who caused the accident has been on paid leave while awaiting trial.
I have chosen to work with Pursuit Safety and Focus Driven to further their efforts of safer police pursuits and to ban cell phone use while driving.
Pursuit Safety is an organization that works to prevent innocent bystanders, like Jessica and Kelli, from being harmed or killed during police pursuits. The group advocates training and educating law enforcement officers and first responders. They also offer support to families whose members have been injured or killed during police pursuits.
Focus Driven is an organization that works to prevent injuries and save lives by raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving while talking or texting on your cell phone. In addition to advocacy, they also offer support for victims of distracted driving.
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