• Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Blog
    • Events
    • Executive Director
    • Kiefer Foundation News
  • Initiatives
  • Partners
  • Simulator
  • Influencers
  • FAQ
  • Support us
  • Donate
Not Just Phones: The Surprising Ways We’re Distracted Behind the Wheel

Not Just Phones: The Surprising Ways We’re Distracted Behind the Wheel

by Melissa Hamrick | May 28, 2025 | Blog

When we think of distracted driving, the first image that comes to mind is probably someone texting on their phone. And while cell phones are a major source of distraction on the road, they’re just one part of a much bigger problem. The truth is, distractions come in...
One Second, One Choice: Real Stories Behind Distracted Driving Tragedies

One Second, One Choice: Real Stories Behind Distracted Driving Tragedies

by Melissa Hamrick | May 27, 2025 | Blog

It only takes a second. One glance at a phone. One quick reply to a text. One decision that changes everything. At The Kiefer Foundation, we understand the devastating impact of distracted driving because we’ve experienced it firsthand. Behind every statistic is...

Follow Us on Social Media

  • Follow
  • Follow
  • Follow
We're On Instagram

Today marks my ninth Father`s Day without Mitchel, after having had 19 unforgettable ones with him. The memories—so vivid, so cherished—come rushing back, and one stands out today: the 100th running of Indy 500 in May 2016.

We packed Mitchel and his sister Jewels into the backseat of a Chevy Camaro, and he didn`t hesitate to let us know just how uncomfortable it was, complaining all the way from Detroit to Indianapolis. But once we arrived, everything changed. The roar of the engines, the excitement of the crowd, the sheer energy of the race—it became an incredible family experience, one of those moments that felt like it would last forever.

I miss him every day. His voice, his laughter, the way he could turn even a road trip gripe into a memory I hold so close to my heart.

Happy Father`s Day, Mitchel. You will always be with me.

With love,
Steve

Remember: When you’re behind the wheel, please put your phones down and Just Drive! 🚫📱🚗

138 3
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 18165637651352618
Today marks my ninth Father's Day without Mitchel, after having had 19 unforgettable ones with him. The memories—so vivid, so cherished—come rushing back, and one stands out today: the 100th running of Indy 500 in May 2016. 

We packed Mitchel and his sister Jewels into the backseat of a Chevy Camaro, and he didn't hesitate to let us know just how uncomfortable it was, complaining all the way from Detroit to Indianapolis. But once we arrived, everything changed. The roar of the engines, the excitement of the crowd, the sheer energy of the race—it became an incredible family experience, one of those moments that felt like it would last forever. 

I miss him every day. His voice, his laughter, the way he could turn even a road trip gripe into a memory I hold so close to my heart. 

Happy Father's Day, Mitchel. You will always be with me. 

With love,
Steve 

Remember: When you’re behind the wheel, please put your phones down and Just Drive! 🚫📱🚗

It’s easy to get distracted when a friend’s in the car—music, conversations, pressure to mess around. That’s why your crash risk triples with just one teen passenger.

This summer, limit your passengers and keep your focus. A quieter car is a safer car—and it could save your life.

Let’s make the 100 Deadliest Days safer—explore tips, take the pledge, and get involved at the link in our bio.

#KieferFoundation #100DeadliestDays #JustDrive

8 0
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 18134581090419421
It’s easy to get distracted when a friend’s in the car—music, conversations, pressure to mess around. That’s why your crash risk triples with just one teen passenger.

This summer, limit your passengers and keep your focus. A quieter car is a safer car—and it could save your life.

Let’s make the 100 Deadliest Days safer—explore tips, take the pledge, and get involved at the link in our bio.

#KieferFoundation #100DeadliestDays #JustDrive

Distracted driving is preventable—but only if we start the conversation.
The Just Drive Simulator is a powerful, immersive tool that helps young drivers experience just how dangerous distractions can be.

Want to bring it to your school? Sign up via the link in our bio.

#KieferFoundation #JustDrive #DistractedDrivingSimulator

19 0
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 18123307372460391
Distracted driving is preventable—but only if we start the conversation.
The Just Drive Simulator is a powerful, immersive tool that helps young drivers experience just how dangerous distractions can be.

Want to bring it to your school? Sign up via the link in our bio.

#KieferFoundation #JustDrive #DistractedDrivingSimulator

Mitchel should still be here.

He should be growing older, laughing with his sisters, building his future.
Instead, his life was taken by a distracted driver.

We fight to end distracted driving for families like his. For moments like this that should never become memories.

This is our why.

#KieferFoundation #JustDrive #RememberingMitchel

174 2
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 17906094039168713
Mitchel should still be here.

He should be growing older, laughing with his sisters, building his future.
Instead, his life was taken by a distracted driver.

We fight to end distracted driving for families like his. For moments like this that should never become memories.

This is our why.

#KieferFoundation #JustDrive #RememberingMitchel

🚫📱 Distracted driving is a national crisis. The Kiefer Foundation and @stopdistractions are working toward solutions to help end distracted driving. We had the honor of meeting with NHTSA’s Chief Council, Peter Simshauser, to discuss the future of distracted driving prevention nationally, including technology innovations and updated federal guidance.

The road to safer driving starts with collaboration. Let’s save lives together!

#JustDrive #RoadSafety

55 0
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 18032630678401295
🚫📱 Distracted driving is a national crisis. The Kiefer Foundation and @stopdistractions are working toward solutions to help end distracted driving. We had the honor of meeting with NHTSA’s Chief Council, Peter Simshauser, to discuss the future of distracted driving prevention nationally, including technology innovations and updated federal guidance.

The road to safer driving starts with collaboration. Let’s save lives together! 

#JustDrive #RoadSafety

☀️ Summer’s here, but freedom behind the wheel still has rules.

Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to keep teen drivers safe – especially during the high-risk summer months.

🚫 Limit teen passengers
📵 No phone use (hands-free law applies!)
🌙 Be aware of nighttime driving restrictions
🛡️ Always wear your seatbelt

These laws aren’t just guidelines, they’re life-saving guardrails! Parents, stay involved. Talk often. Monitor your teen’s driving. Lead by example.

Let’s make the 100 Deadliest Days safer—explore tips, take the pledge, and get involved at the link in our bio.

#KieferFoundation #100DeadliestDays #HandsFreeMI #JustDrive

13 0
Open post by kieferfoundation with ID 18159218194362309
☀️ Summer’s here, but freedom behind the wheel still has rules.

Michigan’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws are designed to keep teen drivers safe – especially during the high-risk summer months.

🚫 Limit teen passengers
📵 No phone use (hands-free law applies!)
🌙 Be aware of nighttime driving restrictions
🛡️ Always wear your seatbelt

These laws aren’t just guidelines, they’re life-saving guardrails! Parents, stay involved. Talk often. Monitor your teen’s driving. Lead by example.

Let’s make the 100 Deadliest Days safer—explore tips, take the pledge, and get involved at the link in our bio. 

#KieferFoundation #100DeadliestDays #HandsFreeMI #JustDrive
Follow on Instagram
  • About Us
  • Initiatives
  • Partners
  • Simulator
  • Influencers
  • FAQ
  • Support us
  • Donate
© 2025 The Kiefer Foundation • Built + Powered by GTU