Hauppauge Students Get Eye-Opening Lesson in Distracted Driving

Matthew Zullo, of New York State Trial Lawyers Association, recently spoke to Hauppauge High School students about tragedies he’s seen through his own cases of young people whose lives were taken away due to distracted driving.

Zullo explained that distracted driving is not just texting or using a cell phone. Just a few seconds spent changing the music or reaching for a drink can cause drivers to lose control. 

"As we approach prom season, it's more important than ever that ALL drivers realize that just a few seconds behind the wheel can change a life," Zullo said. "I'm glad to be here working with students, parents, and teachers to raise awareness of this critical issue."  

All students attending prom are taking part in the event to promote safe and responsible driving. Zullo spoke to students as part of NYSTLA’s involvement with the national End Distracted Driving campaign.   

Pennsylvania trial lawyer Joel Feldman started the distracted driving campaign after his 21-year-old daughter, Casey, was struck and killed by a distracted driver in 2009. The campaign focuses on a PowerPoint presentation, containing the stories of victims of distracted driving and engages students on improving their own driving ability.  Nearly 50,000 students across the country have viewed the presentation.  

“NYSTLA members see firsthand the devastation that can result from inattentive driving and how much it would help if people focused on safety,” said Michael Jaffe, President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. “This makes us the perfect fit to discuss these issues with others.  

NYSTLA is taking part in this program to give back to our community, to help make it safe and to try to prevent unnecessary and harmful accidents.  Educating teens about the dangers of distracted driving is one of the best ways we've come across to help make that happen.  We’re trying to stop the disaster before it happens.”