On August 17 Tony, a former Los Angeles police officer who now works as a scuba instructor in Cozumel, Mexico, began his mission. After learning the risks of cell phone use while driving from the loss of a boy named Joe, Tony became committed to saving lives on the road.
Tony met Joe’s father, Dave Teater, shortly after the 12-year-old was killed in a car crash caused by a distracted driver using a cell phone. Tony was awed by Dave’s work to ban cell phone use behind the wheel.
“Technology is wonderful, but as we become dependent on it, we must also adapt our behavior to its dangers,” Tony said. “Many people, while aware of the danger, think themselves better than the average driver. Unfortunately science shows all of us are at a much greater risk of a crash when we talk on a cell phone while driving.”
Tony’s “Ride the Americas” trip began in Denver, Co. He then traveled north to Alaska, came back through California, across to Texas, before heading home to Cozumel, Mexico.
Along the way, Tony frequently stopped to meet people and advance the National Safety Council’s call for a nationwide ban on cell phone use while driving. He also chronicled his daily adventures to keep in touch with family, friends and followers.
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