December 10, 2024

Steve Kiefer – A Father’s Mission: End Distracted Driving and Save Lives

Episode #5
“When you’re behind the wheel, put your phones down and just drive.”

Steve Kiefer – A Father’s Mission: End Distracted Driving and Save Lives

Episode 5

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"I often refer to myself as a recovering distracted driver. In the summer of 2016, I was as bad as anyone—steering with my knee, drinking coffee with one hand, and holding my phone with the other, thinking I was doing it safely. That all changed in an instant when I got the phone call about Mitchel. He was just a month into college, driving on a clear, dry morning, when a distracted driver rear-ended his car. It was preventable. It’s devastating to think how one glance at a phone can end a life."

Show Summary

This episode of Survival in the Trenches: Life Beyond Loss features Steve Kiefer, founder of the Kiefer Foundation, who shares his heartbreaking yet inspiring journey after losing his son, Mitchel, to a distracted driving accident. Steve discusses the mission of his foundation, which works to raise awareness, advocate for legislation, and promote technology to eliminate distracted driving. Through resilience and purpose, Steve turns tragedy into action, championing initiatives that save lives and inspire others to make a difference.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, young drivers, and anyone who has ever been tempted to use their phone while behind the wheel. It offers a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of distracted driving and provides actionable insights into how we can all help combat this issue. By listening, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of how small changes in behavior and advocacy can lead to safer roads and saved lives.

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Introduction and Background (00:0010:13)

  • Steve grew up in Detroit, son of a Ford engineer
  • Studied mechanical engineering at Michigan State University and MBA at University of Michigan
  • 40-year career at General Motors, retiring as head of global purchase supply chain and international business
  • Married with four children, two born overseas during international assignments

Kiefer Foundation and Distracted Driving (10:1321:20)

  • Steve’s son Mitchell killed by distracted driver in September 2016
  • Kiefer Foundation formed to combat distracted driving
  • Foundation focuses on three pillars: awareness, technology, and legislation
  • Working to pass ‘Hands-Free’ laws in all 50 states, currently successful in 31 states
  • Laws have reduced distraction-related crashes by 10-20% in states where implemented
  • Steve describes himself as a ‘recovering distracted driver’

Technology and Legislation (21:2032:21)

  • Promoting use of technologies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and safe driving modes on phones
  • Developing ‘Just Drive Simulator’ using augmented reality to educate about distracted driving dangers
  • Aiming to implement simulator in high schools, driver’s ed programs, and middle schools
  • Partnering with insurance companies to offer discounts for safe driving
  • Facing challenges in passing legislation due to political resistance and concerns about civil liberties

Global Perspective and Future Goals (32:2143:54)

  • U.S. lags behind other developed nations in distracted driving prevention
  • 120 people die daily on U.S. roads, about half due to distraction
  • Exploring automated ticketing systems, successful in reducing distracted driving in Australia
  • Proposing use of cameras in construction zones as a starting point
  • Emphasizing the need for continued awareness and enforcement of laws
  • Inviting listeners to join state coalitions to support the cause

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