Some very motivated cyclists have pedaled hundreds of miles across Florida this week to try to get lawmakers' and fellow Floridians' attention about traffic safety.
When they finally finished their trek from Central Florida to the state Capitol Friday, they remembered loved ones killed in traffic crashes and urged Floridians to take some easy steps to make everyone safer on the road.
This was the third annual "Survive the Drive" bicycle tour.
Connie Russell remembered her son Matthew, a senior at Florida State University, who was killed by a drunk driver.
We can all say no," said Russell. "Were not going to make it OK. Its not the oops crime. Its not OK. I do all this to make my son proud and make it so that another parent doesnt have to stand up here and talk about their child whos up in heaven now.
Russell continued, Those crazy drivers dont have to kill our kids. We can all do something about it. Its not acceptable and it doesnt have to be.
Connie Russell's husband Jim said this An easy thing is reaching across and putting your seat belt on. An easy thing is stopping for a stop sign. An easy thing is obeying the speed limit. An easy thing is making the smart choice not to drink and drive. An easy thing is making the smart choice not to text and drive. By comparison, thats easy. Theres no reason why we all cant do that.
The Survive the Drive campaign is sponsored by the Dori Slosberg Foundation and Geico.
Dave Heller is a Tallahassee freelance reporter/videographer.
