5K at Moonlight Beach Draws Hundreds in Support of Teen Driving Safety

Editor’s Note: The following is a news release from the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth. 

“If you are worried about getting a ticket for driving and texting, then you are missing the point. You need to worry about getting killed if you are driving and texting” stated Chris Welsh, Senior Deputy County Counsel who works with traffic collision survivors.  Studies show that it takes 4 – 4 ½ seconds to look down to send or receive a text. When you take your eyes off the road – you are losing that critical reaction time to respond to changing traffic conditions. We are losing 5,000 teens every year to distracted driving,” added Welsh.

“Time is the only thing we all have when we are on the road, and when you take away that 4 seconds, tragedy can happen,” commented community member Rob Temphin.

 Mr. Welsh was one of several speakers to join the 250 people for the 2nd annual 5K Run for Teen Driving Safety Moonlight Beach on Saturday, February 25. The run was organized by four local high school students, Joel Kosmatka, Sarah Budman, Gus Lack and Ian MacGregor. The students attend San Dieguito Academy, Cathedral Catholic High School and Canyon Crest Academy. “We want to continue to raise awareness about teens driving safely and this is a great way to bring people together,” said San Dieguito Academy sophomore Ian MacGregor.

The sun-drenched morning included an award ceremony for the top 20 runners, local speakers and a crash car donated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Sponsors included Scripps Hospital Encinitas, the Encinitas Sheriffs Department, San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth, North County Health Services and more.

A relay track was set up for pedal car drivers to maneuver while wearing “beer” goggles that simulated vision after drinking two beers. Canyon Crest Academy sophomore Ashton Utsler donned the goggles, then pedaled a car while texting. After crashing into 80 percent of the cones, Utsler uttered “ That doesn’t work!” as he removed the goggles, pocketed his phone and got out of the pedal car.

 “This event helps us realize how life changes in a minute on the road and driving is even more dangerous if you text when you drive,” stated Hannah Turner, a high school student at Torrey Pines, speaking to the crowd and sharing her “NO TEXT” pledge with the race attendees and handing out “text free driver” thumb bands.

 Victor Grewel shared his personal story with the crowd. “Friends, family, relationships, education and career were dreams that were taken away from me when a drunk driver crashed into my family car when I was five years old,” stated 32 -year-old Grewal, who became  brain injured  as a result of the crash that  also paralyzed his late father.

 “Alcohol is still the drug of choice, with marijuana, bath salts and spice close behind,” according to Nancy Knott, a Scripps alcohol and drug treatment counselor.  “Forty-seven percent of her patients report using drugs by the time they have finished high school. “We have a community problem - these drugs are killing teens in our community, breaking up families and destroying lives. “ Parents were challenged to lead by example and get rid of unused prescription drugs and alcohol in the home, shut off the phone and drive and not text while driving. “You are setting the standard for your kids – and your kids are watching what you do.”