Current Events

MAY, 2023

This month brought many opportunities to interact with our community. With Driver's Ed presentations at Mayfield and Centennial High Schools, we ended the 22-23 school year having spoken to over 200 students! The evaluation forms that the students completed affirm the value of our presentations: "These things need to be talked about"....."It really made me think about consequences and distractions"....."I didn't know so many lives were at stake"....."I do not want this to happen to me or my loved ones, so I will tell other people." Our monthly morning at the Farmer's Market always introduces us to a variety of folks who are interested in our message. It's most uplifting to see support growing from within our community! Networking with groups like The Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico is also a great way to widen our audience. A number of local cyclists turned out for this year's Ride of Silence, which honors fallen bicyclists. It's a somber reminder of the tragic loss of far too many vulnerable road users. It is our sincere belief that the efforts of VRUnm will play a key role in decreasing these numbers in the future!

A student left me a folded crane -
symbol of hope and healing.

April, 2023
Distracted Driving Awareness Month

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December, 2022
Driver's Ed Classes

In addition to telling students our
story, I got to observe a presentation
by Dona Ana Sheriff's Deputy, Fabian
Hernandez, and his colleague.
The students who tried the "drunk
driving goggles" were amazed at the
effect! Even though it's not possible
to simulate the degree of cognitive
impairment that occurs under the
influence of alcohol, experiencing
the visual impairment alone made
quite an impact on them!

How humbling to have a student say to me, "Your story will change lives!" And another, "Her story was sad, but it will influence me tyo be a better driver. "Your story will change lives!" And another: "Her story was sad, but it will influence me to be a better driver." PLUS, our very first group of student advocates stepped forward!

We commemorated Distracted Driving Awareness Month with a number of special activities:
* A Mayoral Proclamation at City Council meeting, 4/3.
* Executive Director, Barbara Toth, recognized by advocacy partner, "It Could Be Me".
* Lunch outreach, Las Cruces High.
* Farmer's Market Outreach
* Southern New Mexico Giving Day
* Presentation for members of Las Cruces Optimists club.

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November, 2022
World Day of Remembrance for
Road Traffic Victims

September, 2022
Drivers' Ed Classes
Las Cruces Public Schools

"Her and her husband's personal story touches my heart, as it helped me see a different point of view"

"This really did show me that even a quick glance at your phone can affect my life and others. I won't be getting distracted by my phone or anything for a fact!"

"I loved the presentation. I think it will impact others like it did me. It showed how important it is to not think roads are just for cars."

"People on bikes and others on the road are equal as cars."

"I learned about how irresponsible drivers can affect other people's lives forever. Now I know how painful it is for people when a driver hurts people or themselves in a collision. Sometimes to the point where it is fatal."

"It was very worthwhile. It made me want to never be distracted while driving. I will try to live up to that!"

"It definitely made me want to be more cautious. Seeing how sad she was about her husband made me never want someone to feel like that and it be my fault."