Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | Casey Feldman Foundation blog

Casey’s Story Makes CBS Evening News Coverage as Pedestrian Deaths Surge

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017

Casey was a pedestrian walking in a crosswalk in broad daylight when she was killed by a motorist who had a stop sign. That was in 2009. A report just released by the by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) projects an 11% increase in the number of pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways last year, compared to 2015. This would represent the steepest year-to-year increase since record-keeping began, both in terms of the number of deaths and percentage increase. Overall, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 25% since Casey death. CBS News interviewed Casey’s dad and featured her story in its report on these latest statistics.

Tags: Casey Feldman, CBS evening news, joel feldman, pedestrian deaths, Pedestrian Safety
Posted in Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving, Press Coverage, Videos | No Comments »

Casey Feldman’s Parents Receive Courageous Advocacy Award in Massachusetts

Tuesday, June 11th, 2013

Casey's parents, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson holding a picture of their daughter, Casey, who was killed by a distracted driver in 2009

In creating the Casey Feldman Foundation and EndDD.org and bringing their “End Distracted Driving” (EndDD) message to the public throughout the country, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson “have given their daughter a powerful and important legacy,” the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) concluded, recently awarding the couple the group’s 2013 Courageous Advocacy Award.

Casey Feldman was 21 when she was killed by a distracted driver in 2009. MATA recognized her parents, Joel and Dianne, for “their courage, selflessness and commitment to preventing similar tragedies,” calling it “extraordinary.”

“Casey Feldman taught her friends that everyone had a story – both unique and beautiful. She believed that telling someone’s story made a difference—to both the story-teller and their audience. Casey believed that stories change lives. In telling Casey’s story, Joel and Dianne are not only changing peoples’ lives, they are saving them. What could be a more important message and unforgettable tribute to their daughter Casey’s memory,” explained the program for MATA’s Annual Meeting and dinner on May 22nd in Newton, MA.

Feldman accepted the award from MATA President Tim Kelleher, telling the crowd of approximately 400 guests, “We are so appreciative of being honored by MATA and for their hard work to bring our End Distracted Driving presentation to teens in high schools across the state.”

MATA members have taken the EndDD.org presentation to high schools in Massachusetts since the campaign was launched in that state in March.

“As trial lawyers, we see the awful consequences of distracted driving,” said Feldman, “But our End Distracted Driving program can help prevent these terrible crashes and make a difference in all of our communities.”

Joel Feldman, Casey's father, addressing MATA upon acceptance of the Courageous Advocacy Award

“I can’t bring Casey back, but I can tell her story and have others tell her story so that we all drive safer,” Feldman said.

“In our society, many people are uncomfortable talking about grief and loss and don’t know how to support those who are suffering,” said Feldman. “As trial lawyers, our clients are suffering and not only do we have an obligation to represent our clients , but an obligation as compassionate human beings to offer support that our clients and their families need.”

Tags: award, Courageous Advocacy Award, Dianne Anderson, joel feldman, Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys, MATA, Tim Kelleher
Posted in Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | No Comments »

5K Run/Walk this Sunday Benefiting the Casey Feldman Foundation/EndDD.org – Register or Donate

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013

The West Chester University Alpha Epsilon Chapter of the national honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, will be hosting a 5K walk/run this Sunday, April 21, 2013 as its fourth annual fundraiser for the Casey Feldman Foundation (sponsor of EndDD.org.). Since it is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and Casey was killed by a distracted driver, the fraternity hopes to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

Phi Sigma Pi has been a supporter of the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, holding an annual fundraiser for the Foundation since 2010. At the time of Casey’s death in July of 2009, Casey’s best friend from high school, Amber Staska, was President elect of the fraternity for the 2009-2010 school year. Casey’s close friend, Phil Knasiak, was Vice President.

The three past benefits have been in the form of a concert at West Chester University with an on- campus pedestrian safety and and distracted driving awareness campaign in the week leading up to the concert. The effort received national recognition the first year when Phi Sigm Pi’s President was featured in Seventeen Magazine.

Casey Feldman (R) with Amber Staska, Casey's best friend from high school and President of Phi Sigma Pi in 2010

The fraternity recently inducted Casey’s parents, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson as honorary brothers and have adopted the Casey Feldman Foundation as their annual charitable cause.

This year’s 5K event will take place on the West Chester University South Campus in Lot S, West Chester, PA. Check- in is 10:15-10:45 and the race starts at 11:00 a.m. Click here for online registration and directions or here to view the event details on Facebook

If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to the Casey Feldman Foundation so that we may continue to make a difference in the lives of others and save lives through our distracted driving efforts.

Click here to view the articles, photos and videos from the prior three Phi Sigma Pi fundraisers.

Tags: 5K, Amber Staska, Distracted Driving, fundraiser, Pedestrian Safety, West Chester University - Phi Sigma Pi
Posted in Distracted Driving, Fundraisers, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving, West Chester University - Phi Sigma Pi | No Comments »

Premier Release of “Just a Few Seconds” Distracted Driving PSA Video Produced by Casey’s Father

Wednesday, February 6th, 2013

“I wasn’t texting, I wasn’t using my cell phone, but I still killed someone”, says 17 year old Kate, in the new PSA video produced by Casey’s father, Joel Feldman, now incorporated into the www.EndDD.org (Casey Feldman Foundation website) distracted driving presentation. This is one of the first distracted driving videos which features both the driver and the victim’s family. Howard Stein, 61 years old, was soon to be a grandfather; his daughter Emily, also featured in the video, was newly married and 6 months pregnant at the time of her father’s death. “I knew he was going to be such a fantastic grandfather,” says Emily. View the 3 minute video:

The accident occurred in Massachusetts and the video was premiered at a press conference in Boston at the State House on Feb. 4th. In conjunction with the release of the video, Massachusetts’s Governor Deval Patrick declared Feb. 4th as Distracted Driving Awareness Day. The Massachusetts’s Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) participated and announced their plan to take the EndDD driving presentation to schools throughout Massachusetts.

The EndDD.org distracted driving presentation which included the new PSA video, was kicked off the following day in Mass. at Medford High School outside of Boston.

Related Links:

Photos

EndDD.org – End Distracted Driving (Casey Feldman Foundation sponsored website)

“Father takes distracted driving cause to Mass”, by Jeff Wolfe, Daily Times, Feb. 4, 2013

“End Distracted Driving Campaign Kicks Off at MHS”, Medford Public Schools

“Gov. Patrick declares “Distracted Driving Day’ as Mass. lawyers discuss dangers of distracted driving”, Metro (Boston)

“Abruptly, a life ends, another shatters; A teen works to make amends for a moment of deadly distraction”, by Tim O’Brien, TimesUnion, Albany, NY (Feb. 16, 2013)

MATA

Tags: Distracted Driving, Emily, Emily Stein, gov. Deval Patrick, Howard, Howard Stein, joel feldman, just a few seconds, kate, massachusetts, Massachusetts academy of trial attornerys, MATA, Tim Kelleher, Video
Posted in Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | 1 Comment »

Casey Feldman Foundation Makes “NOYS” at National Teen Distracted Driving Summit

Saturday, December 15th, 2012

By Dianne L. Anderson

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) held its 2012 Teen Distracted Driving Summit in Washington, D.C. earlier this month and heard from many speakers, including Joel Feldman, father of Casey Feldman and founder of EndDD.org (End Distracted Driving).

NOYS youth leaders had the opportunity to meet with other dedicated teens, safety professionals and families that have been affected by distracted driving. Numerous events were planned to help youth leaders from across the country develop distracted driving prevention programs that they can implement in their local communities. The teens will lead awareness activities throughout the school year, culminating in May during Global Youth Traffic Safety Month. Educational programs, experiential programs and focus groups were among the many events in which the teen leaders participated.

Joel Feldman addressing the teen leaders at the summit

The teens also set out in teams to observe traffic in Washington, particularly as it relates to pedestrian safety.

Joel Feldman talked about his efforts to reduce distracted driving and discussed the EndDD.org Student Awareness Initiative presentation, offering it to the teens to use, and also offering lawyer or health care providers to come into their schools and help students raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving in their communities.

Joel said “I look forward to working with many of these exceptional student leaders. Meeting many of them and talking about distracted driving helped me better understand some of the challenges we face in changing teen driving behaviors. Most of the teens also shared that their parents drive distracted- I know that our driving culture needs to change and am convinced that change will come from the efforts of young people like these NOYS Youth Leaders.”

Tags: Distracted Driving, NOYS, Teen Distracted Driving Summit
Posted in Distracted Driving, NOYS (Nat'l Org for Youth Saftey), Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | 1 Comment »

Distracted Driving Presentation Taken to Springfield High School

Thursday, July 5th, 2012

By Dianne L. Anderson

Bridget Clawson urging Mrs. Boeni to put down her cell phone

In a continuing effort to take the message of the dangers of distracted driving to students across the nation, Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson spoke to students at Casey Feldman’s high school alma mater before school recessed for the summer. The presentation was introduced by Springfield High School (SHS ) SADD officer, Amrita Famachandran.

In the interactive presentation, students were made aware of the fact that distracted driving does not just involve cell phone use. Putting on makeup, changing a CD, eating, reaching for drinks or items in the car, taking your hands off of the wheel for any reason and simply taking your eyes and mind off of the primary task of driving, are all distractions that can result in deadly consequences. Students also saw firsthand, the negative cognitive impact of simply trying to carry on a cell phone conversation while driving. Many were surprised that having a cell phone conversation while driving is the cognitive equivalent to a blood alcohol limit of .08, or driving under the influence. Students also participated in role playing to become comfortable as passengers asking a distracted driver to stop their distraction, be it putting down a cell phone or a drink.

SHS students,L to R: Paige Klaniecki, James Cella, Bridget Yingling, Hanna Feehery, Monica Fischer

Acknowledging that distracted driving is not simply a teen problem, students took home forms to be signed by them and their parents, agreeing to eliminate various distractions while behind the wheel.

To bring the message close to home, students also viewed the “Faces of Distracted Driving – Casey Feldman” video prepared for the U. S. Department of Transportation by Joel Feldman. Many of the students knew Casey or had older brothers and sisters who went to SHS with Casey.

Said graduating senior Bridget Clawson, “The program you did today was fantastic. I think it really got through to the kids because it wasn’t all facts and statistics and telling them what to do. You and Mr. Feldman really put the ideas out in a personable way that almost made it seem like I was in a classroom! Thank you for sharing you story with everyone, I think you really got through to a lot of kids at SHS.”

SHS SADD officer Amrita Famachandran and Joel Feldman

Through the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation and its sponsored site EndDD.org (End Distracted Driving), over 40,000 students nationwide have seen the distracted driving presentation as a result of Joel Feldman organizing some 800 trial lawyers, judges, safety officials and friends to speak in their local communities. The beginning of the effort coincided with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. Joel Feldman has personally reached some 4,000 students alone in Pa, NJ, CO and MD.

According to Joel Feldman, “Through bringing awareness of the issue to students and their parents, we are saving lives and keeping Casey’s memory alive. If even one life is saved, it is more than worth the effort”.

Related Links:

Springfield High School (SHS)

SADD

Faces of Distracted Driving – Casey Feldman

EndDD.org (End Distracted Driving)

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Tags: Distracted Driving, EndDD.org, National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, Springfield High School
Posted in Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving, Springfield High School | No Comments »

2012 Student Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign

Monday, May 21st, 2012

After Casey’s death, one of her colleagues on her college newspaper told us that Casey taught her that everyone has a unique story and if you listened carefully enough you would hear that story. Telling one’s story and having someone really listen and hear that story can be powerful and can change both the story teller and the listener.

The story of the EndDD.org/60forsafety 2012 Student Awareness Initiative is that a Philadelphia trial lawyer’s daughter was killed by a distracted driver and more than 800 trial lawyers volunteered to speak out in her memory about distracted driving from Hawaii and California to Maine, Texas to North Dakota, Florida to Washington State and many of the provinces of Canada. When our first year’s initiative concludes, Casey’s story and the story of the senseless and needless loss of life from distracted driving, will have been told to more than 40,000 students. By telling Casey’s story and the stories of others killed by distracted driving, we have saved many lives. (more…)

Tags: 60forsafety, Casey Feldman, Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation, Distracted Driving, EndDD.org, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S.DOT
Posted in Distracted Driving, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | No Comments »

Casey’s College Friend Speaks at Her High School Alma Mater on Distracted Driving

Monday, May 14th, 2012

Brooke Burdge speaking at her high school

By Brooke Burdge

On Friday, April 27, I had the opportunity to visit my alma mater, Communications High School, in Wall Twp., N.J. to speak to over 150 juniors and seniors on the topic of distracted driving. My presentation was one of over a thousand that took place in April as part of End Distracted Driving’s (EndDD.org) campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

It was a great experience to be able to help educate young drivers on the various issues associated with distracted driving. At the same time, it was challenging, since I knew the reason I was standing at the front of the room was because of my close connection to this topic– that I lost one of my closest college friends, Casey Feldman, as a result of distracted driving.

I opened up the presentations by introducing the campaign and explaining how big of a difference this program is making in just its first year. I then gave the background for the presentation, and described Joel Feldman as the inspiration and told Casey’s story. It was at this point that I showed a few pictures of Casey and I together, and let the students know my connection to this topic.

Brooke (L) and Casey

I was impressed by how focused and engaged the students of CHS were. They actively participated, answering my questions and sharing their stories. CHS is a “magnet school”– a career academy that draws selected students from across the county. Many students have long drives to school and to visit their friends from around the county. I could see this was a topic that resonated with the students.

After my talks, a few students approached me and thanked me for speaking to them. Some expressed their condolences for losing Casey. Two girls even told me how they created their own PSA on distracted driving and recently submitted it into a contest.

The school principal graciously invited me back next year to speak again. I hope to make this April presentation a yearly tradition. By continuing to share Casey’s story and raise awareness of distracted driving, we can help prevent tragedies from happening to others.

Related Links:

EndDD.org (End Distracted Driving)

Communications High School

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month

U.S. Department of Transportation Commends Joel Feldman’s Efforts to End Distracted Driving

End Distracted Driving reaches out with safety message (U.S.DOT’s blog article with photos and video of Casey)

Casey Feldman Memories

Casey Feldman Network

Tags: Brooke Burdge, Communications High School, Distracted Driving, EndDD.org, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S.DOT
Posted in Distracted Driving, Fordham University, Pedestrian Safety/Distracted Driving | 2 Comments »

U.S. Department of Transportation Commends Joel Feldman’s Efforts to End Distracted Driving

Friday, April 27th, 2012

By Dianne L. Anderson

Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation, dedicated a recent blog article to Joel Feldman’s (Casey’s father) efforts to end distracted driving through amassing some 800 attorneys and judges to speak to students across the country and in Canada. The effort was through EndDD.org, a website sponsored by the Casey Feldman Memorial Foundation and dedicated to ending distracted driving. The presentations coincided with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month – April, 2012.

Casey Feldman in U.S. DOT public service video

The following are excerpts from the US DOT website blog:

In February 2011, the father of a young woman who was killed by a distracted driver sent DOT a video tribute to his daughter. Joel Feldman’s powerful video about his daughter Casey was the first outside submission to become part of our Faces of Distracted Driving. And Casey’s story has proven to be one of our most effective videos, capturing the attention of people around the world. …

Since then, Joel Feldman has not rested in his pursuit of that change. The organization he started, End Distracted Driving, has been a strong advocate in our fight to get drivers to keep their eyes on the road, their hands on the wheel, and their full attention on driving safely.

And, in honor of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month, EndDD.org has launched the End Distracted Driving Student Awareness Initiative. This campaign seeks to educate students and other drivers throughout North America about the dangers of distracted driving. Perhaps more importantly, the Student Awareness Initiative gives drivers simple steps to keep them–and others–safe. …

End Distracted Driving has an ambitious goal for its April initiative: to reach more than 100,000 young drivers.

Within days of EndDD announcing the effort, more than 800 attorneys from across the United States and Canada had signed up to give Student Awareness Initiative presentations through high schools and civic groups. Joel Feldman says that Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) have been particularly open to hosting these presentations….

So I’m thankful that End Distracted Driving’s more than 800 volunteers are working hard throughout National Distracted Driving Awareness Month to spread the important safety message that cell phones and driving don’t mix.

Read the full U.S. DOT blog article here.

THE CASEY FELDMAN MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

News & Updates

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Casey’s Story Makes CBS Evening News Coverage as Pedestrian Deaths Surge

Casey Feldman’s Parents Receive Courageous Advocacy Award in Massachusetts

5K Run/Walk this Sunday Benefiting the Casey Feldman Foundation/EndDD.org – Register or Donate

Premier Release of “Just a Few Seconds” Distracted Driving PSA Video Produced by Casey’s Father

Related Links:

Casey Feldman Foundation Makes “NOYS” at National Teen Distracted Driving Summit

Distracted Driving Presentation Taken to Springfield High School

2012 Student Distracted Driving Awareness Campaign

Casey’s College Friend Speaks at Her High School Alma Mater on Distracted Driving

U.S. Department of Transportation Commends Joel Feldman’s Efforts to End Distracted Driving

Related Links:

Phi Sigma Pi – Alpha Epsilon Holds 3rd Annual Casey Feldman Benefit Concert April 2012