Faces of Distracted Driving: Ashley Johnson, 16; "We talked about cell phone use while driving--I didn't think she would do it."

Ashley Johnson wanted to help people. And by the age of 16, she was already taking college courses and planning to become a psychologist. She was a smart girl and a caring girl. And when you watch her father, Amos, talk about her, you can really see how much Ashley was loved and how proud she made him.

Watching Amos Johnson’s story is not easy. Since his daughter Ashley was killed while trying to drive and retrieve a text at the same time, his life has never been the same.

Amos Johnson with daughter Ashley

What’s even more tragic is that Amos did everything right. He says:

"When we started driving, I was telling her the laws--what to do, what not to do--and the cell phone was one of the biggest things. I told her, 'We do not talk on the cell phone while driving.' We talked about it quite a bit."

It goes to show what we’re up against in our fight to end distracted driving. The allure of multitasking and staying connected is coupled with the illusion that we’re capable of doing those things while driving. But we aren’t. And Ashley’s story shows that.

As Amos says:

"It was unreal. I didn't believe it because, over the months and years before, we talked about cell phone use while driving. I didn't think she would do it."

But Amos has used his personal tragedy to create change.  Within three months of Ashley's death, he was sharing his story with teenagers--and parents--in the Asheville, NC, community. And four months after Ashley's death, Amos attended our second National Distracted Driving Summit where he continued to warn parents about the dangers distracted driving poses to their kids:

"These kids see their parents using cell phones, and they think it's okay. But it's not okay. You cannot text and drive. Ashley is evidence of that. You cannot do both."

 

If you have a distracted driving experience you'd like to share, post a video on YouTube and email a link to faces@distraction.gov.

Comments

[Edward Starr]

Why can't DOT stop cellphone use period while driving? In my opinion any moving cell phone should be programmable to be inoperative at speeds faster than walking speeds. Why the complicated laws? This system could be up and running very soon if you had cooperation of the cellphone companies and the car makers. It should be a privilege to use a cellphone. That privilege has been abused and should be taken away.People are not using the cell phone for what it was made. It was not made for idle talk. I take my life in my hands every day by people driving with one hand.There is enough electronics in cars anyway. Save the phone system for emergency calls and have the phone as part of the car with hands free driving a must.

[BACtrack B70]

wow, that is really sad, I think people know they shouldn't do it but think it won't happen to me.

[Michael E. Bailey]

It is of critical importance to get the word out to the high schools and colleges across the country that you may think you can drive and text or talk on the cell phone at the same time. But that is not how it is. And too many teenagers and college kids are finding out the hard way you really can't do both. Best wishes Michael E. Bailey.

[Mike]

What about folks on iPods? Those things can be a huge distraction also.

[Alex the Beekeeper]

As the parent of two teenage drivers, it's really heartening to see a parent who is able to turn their tragedy into a campaign to save the lives of other teens.

I have talked to both of my teenager about this, but I'm going to remind them again. You are so right we need demonstrate that no text is more important than giving driving your full attention and that the txt will still be there waiting for them when they park the car.

[Mark Davis]

Any needless, senseless death is tragic. I feel for this father and the family.

BUT...she was responsible for her actions. Don't impose restrictions on me because of her unfortunate indiscretion.

Make no mistake. These attempts by the federal government to impose restrictions on the freedoms of law-abiding citizens (i.e., to talk on cellphones while driving) are a power-grab effort by this authoritarian over-reaching federal bureaucracy. Their goal is control over more and more aspects of everyday life, disguised as "it's for your own safety."

Enough regulations already. Leave us alone. We'd much rather retain our freedoms and manage our own risks than hand over freedom to a federal bureaucracy that will impose restrictions but will not actually make people safer. The historical record is that governments always restrict personal freedom in the name of safety and security.

The latest proposal by LaHood is a prohibition of cellphone use by truckers and bus drivers. The following is a pertinent comment by a reader at another site.

"How to tell they are LYING?

When there is an AGENDA.

Truckers have been using cell phones for 20 years. More? Less?

ISnt that substantially the same as talking on a CB radio?

Yes. Been there, done both.

When it suddenly becomes CONVENIENT for Government to grab more power based on a STRAW ARGUMENT, BEWARE. They are up to no good.

The idea that their driving is impaired is an overgeneralization. How do they know? Have they TESTED EVERY TRUCK DRIVER TO SEE IF THEIR ABILITIES ARE IMPAIRED?

No.

Have there suddenly been more accidents proven as a result of cell phones? No. If it was inherently dangerous, it would have become a front burner issue years ago.

It wasnt, it didnt.

Its the AGENDA thing, someone in Govt wants power, and looks for an EXCUSE based on manipulating someones private tragedy to their own POLICAL AIMS."

Wake up Americans. It's time for the non-sense to stop.

[Joe]

God rest the souls of the fallen and comfort their families. How heart wrenching.

[Mortgage Loans]

very sad, I'm sorry

[incipio iphone 4]

I'm so sorry, it's really a sad story! It teaches us a lesson how even small things could bring such a big devastation. Be careful while driving and if possible just drive and nothing else.