46% Of Teens

Admit To

Texting While

Driving


But adults are just as guilty.




Distracted Driving Awareness Programs

Attendees will see first-hand how one poor decision can change their life forever.

Texting while driving is a deadly epidemic.

It has now surpassed drinking and driving as the leading cause of death and accidents among teens ages 16-20. Too many lives are being lost. Our teens are freshman drivers and it is VITAL that we ensure their safety by showing them the hazards of distracted driving.

Program Overview

Karen's presentation provides a powerful and impactful overview of road safety, with a specific focus on the dangers of distracted driving. Through engaging storytelling and personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of responsible driving behaviors and the devastating consequences of distractions on the road.


Her message is designed to resonate with a wide range of audiences, including students, parents, employees, and communities. By sharing her own journey of losing her father in a work zone crash, Karen connects on an emotional level, making her presentation relatable and memorable.


The presentation is approximately 45 minutes and is appropriate for high school students. A teen/parent program is also available.



BOOK ME

  • High School Assembly

    "Distracted Driving/Deadly Consequences"


    Karen’s presentation is  powerful and an impactful session that aims to educate and inspire high school students about the dangers of distracted driving. Sharing her personal story of losing her father due to a distracted driver, Karen connects with the students on an emotional level, emphasizing the real-life consequences of irresponsible driving behavior. Through engaging storytelling, interactive discussions, and practical tips, Karen empowers the students to take ownership of their actions and make responsible choices on the road.


    Key takeways from High School Presentations:


    • Distracted Driving Risks: Students will gain a deep understanding of the risks and dangers associated with distracted driving. They learn about the various forms of distractions, such as texting, social media, and other activities that divert their attention from the road. helps them realize the potentially life-threatening consequences of engaging in such behaviors while driving.


    • Personal Responsibility: Karen emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and accountability when it comes to safe driving. Students understand that each decision they make behind the wheel has a significant impact and that they have the power to prevent crashes and protect lives.


    • Positive Peer Influence: Karen highlights the influence of peers on driving behaviors and encourages teens to be positive influencers within their social circles. They learn the importance of setting a good example, speaking up against risky driving practices, and promoting responsible behavior among their friends.

  • Teen & Parent Assembly

    "Empowering Teens and Parents for Safer Driving"


    (This presentation is offered in the evening for students who would like a school parking permit. Having a parent attend with their student can be made mandatory in order to qualify for the parking permit.)


    Parents play a crucial role in influencing their childs' attitudes and behaviors, including their approach to driving. By attending Karen's presentation, parents can learn about the significance of being positive role models for their children when it comes to responsible and focused driving. 


    Parents and teens will gain an understanding of the potential consequences of distracted driving and other unsafe behaviors on the road. Parents & teens will understand the real-life impact of irresponsible driving behaviors and how it can affect their lives and the lives of others. Karen will share personal stories and experiences related to road safety, including the loss of her father and the consequences of distracted driving.

  • Corporate Safety Trainings

    "Safe Roads, Safer Workplaces”: Empowering Employees for Road Safety"


    Karen is a highly experienced and passionate advocate for road safety, with a compelling personal story that deeply resonates with audiences. Her engaging speaking style and impactful presentations create a lasting impression, motivating employees to prioritize safe driving practices and be more mindful on the road. Karen's expertise in distracted driving and her ability to communicate practical strategies for road safety make her an invaluable asset in preventing workplace  collisions and crashes. By hiring Karen, employers demonstrate a genuine commitment to the well-being of their workforce and foster a safety-conscious culture, ultimately enhancing productivity, reducing costs, and strengthening their reputation as an employer that prioritizes employee safety.


    Key takeaways from Corporate Safety Trainings:


    Dangers of Distracted Driving: Employees will be acutely aware of the dangers of distracted driving and the potentially life-threatening consequences it can have on themselves and others.



    Empowered to Make a Difference: Employees will feel empowered to take an active role in promoting road safety, both within and outside the workplace, by adopting responsible driving habits and advocating for safe practices.



    Personal Connection to the Message: Karen's impactful story and personal connection to the topic will leave a lasting impact on employees, making them more committed to prioritizing safety on the road and being mindful drivers.

  • Conferences

    "Distracted Driving/Deadly Consequences"


    Participants will gain a deep understanding of the severe and potentially deadly consequences of distracted driving. They will be exposed to real-life stories, statistics, and facts that highlight the impact of distracted driving on individuals, families, and communities. 

    Participants will leave with actionable steps they can implement immediately to reduce distractions and enhance their driving safety.

    Karen's personal story serves as a vivid reminder of the real-life consequences of distracted driving. It helps the audience understand that this issue is not just a statistic or abstract concept but something that can happen to anyone. It underscores the importance of making safe choices behind the wheel and reinforces the urgency of addressing distracted driving.


Testimonials

I am so thankful for the responses I have received from student attendees in their own handwriting.  This is what it's all about...

Hello Mrs. Torres,


My name is Catherine Burns, and I am a sophomore at Christian Brothers Academy where you recently spoke about distracted driving to our high school student body. You mentioned how if you could impact one person in the entire room after hearing your story and presentation, that it would all be worth the 5 1/2 hours it took to drive up to Syracuse. I would like to tell you that it was entirely all worth it, because I was deeply impacted by your moving words and story. Not too long ago, my best friend and mentor was in an serious car accident because a driver was texting, and not paying attention to the car in front of him. Luckily she was ok with minor injuries, but it deeply hit home to me when I realized how many other people aren’t so lucky that a distracted driver left their loved one with more than just a couple injuries. I looked around to my fellow classmates as you were speaking, many of them recently licensed or permitted drivers and could sense that they felt exactly the same way. The stories and videos you shared were vividly jarring and clearly conveyed the message you were trying to impose on us. I even heard one of my classmates comment that they “don’t even feel comfortable bringing their phone in the car with them anymore” because of the temptation to look at it while driving. Hopefully because of your presentation, students in my school will realize more clearly the dangers and effects of distracted driving, especially with texting.


I saw an impact not even an hour later, when my brother Nate, who is a senior at CBA, drove us home later that day from school. His phone was in his backpack, not up front or in his pocket like it usually is, and he was more attentive to the speed limit and his surroundings. If already my brother realized how tempting it can be to become distracted while driving, I can only imagine how many other CBA drivers did the same thing after hearing your eyeopening words and will now be more careful on the roads.


Thank you, Mrs. Torres, for sharing your story with my school. Because of you, my school community is now well educated on the dangers of distracted driving, and that they may go and spread your words to help others learn too.


Best regards,
Catherine Burns


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 Elise - BRiDGES Prevention/Education, Oneida, NY

“Several times I witnessed Karen talk to students at different schools in our county. Each time, she connected with them through her warmth and humor, telling her story and sharing her heart and heartache. Through the use of a well organized talk and effective images in a power point, she keeps students engaged. At the end of her talk, often students would go up and share their stories with her. Afterward, I often heard feedback that adults and students were impacted by her message and changed their cell phone use and driving habits based on what they heard. She is an energetic and effective speaker, well worth your time!”

Michael S. Freiberg, Assistant Principal - Smithtown High School West

“When Ms. Torres was initially introduced to us, no one knew quite what to expect. What we found was an enthusiastic, passionate and engaging presenter who through her presentation allowed us to bond and reflect as a school community against the danger of distracted driving. As a result of her amazing presentation, all of us in the Smithtown community became more aware of the horrors of distracted driving and the impact it has on those families affected. It was a touching presentation which positively altered many perspectives on acceptable habits we all do while operating a motor vehicle. Overall, it was an educational, reflective and truly informative presentation.”

Sue Shapiro, Assistant Principal - Commack High School

“The students and staff of Commack High school have had the wonderful experience of attending an annual presentation given by Karen Torres entitled, "ALL4UDad" regarding the dangers of distracted driving. Karen is a riveting and engaging speaker with an extremely important message. The students and staff of Commack High School left the "ALL4UDad" presentation with many reflective and insightful thoughts. As a result of this presentation, our students and staff will think before using their cell phone or doing anything other than focusing on their driving and the road. Distracted driving is an epidemic and Karen has brought this issue to students and drivers nationally and internationally. The educational and informative presentation should be experienced by all new drivers and experienced drivers alike.”

John Reynolds, Assistant Principal - Plainedge High School, North Massapequa, NY

“Karen Torres shared her emotional experience to the Plainedge High School students with a level of authenticity that resonated with them all. Her varied approach and diverse resources made a memorable impact on our students. Every student walked away from the presentation with a better understanding of the impact of distracted driving.  Seeing the pain in her personal story and the story of too many avoidable tragedies made Karen’s presentation that much more effective. I had many students provide positive feedback as well. Karen is providing a valuable service in her important message to our young students behind the wheel.”

 Elise - BRiDGES Prevention/Education, Oneida, NY

“Several times I witnessed Karen talk to students at different schools in our county. Each time, she connected with them through her warmth and humor, telling her story and sharing her heart and heartache. Through the use of a well organized talk and effective images in a power point, she keeps students engaged. At the end of her talk, often students would go up and share their stories with her. Afterward, I often heard feedback that adults and students were impacted by her message and changed their cell phone use and driving habits based on what they heard. She is an energetic and effective speaker, well worth your time!”

Michael S. Freiberg, Assistant Principal - Smithtown High School West

“When Ms. Torres was initially introduced to us, no one knew quite what to expect. What we found was an enthusiastic, passionate and engaging presenter who through her presentation allowed us to bond and reflect as a school community against the danger of distracted driving. As a result of her amazing presentation, all of us in the Smithtown community became more aware of the horrors of distracted driving and the impact it has on those families affected. It was a touching presentation which positively altered many perspectives on acceptable habits we all do while operating a motor vehicle. Overall, it was an educational, reflective and truly informative presentation.”

Sue Shapiro, Assistant Principal - Commack High School

“The students and staff of Commack High school have had the wonderful experience of attending an annual presentation given by Karen Torres entitled, "ALL4UDad" regarding the dangers of distracted driving. Karen is a riveting and engaging speaker with an extremely important message. The students and staff of Commack High School left the "ALL4UDad" presentation with many reflective and insightful thoughts. As a result of this presentation, our students and staff will think before using their cell phone or doing anything other than focusing on their driving and the road. Distracted driving is an epidemic and Karen has brought this issue to students and drivers nationally and internationally. The educational and informative presentation should be experienced by all new drivers and experienced drivers alike.”

John Reynolds, Assistant Principal - Plainedge High School, North Massapequa, NY

“Karen Torres shared her emotional experience to the Plainedge High School students with a level of authenticity that resonated with them all. Her varied approach and diverse resources made a memorable impact on our students. Every student walked away from the presentation with a better understanding of the impact of distracted driving.  Seeing the pain in her personal story and the story of too many avoidable tragedies made Karen’s presentation that much more effective. I had many students provide positive feedback as well. Karen is providing a valuable service in her important message to our young students behind the wheel.”

"I Don't Have the Words"

"Did today’s presentation have enough impact on you that you will now think twice about taking your eyes off the road while driving (be honest)? Please explain:..."


Yes, it really did.


I don’t have the words to tell you how much of an impact you’ve had on me after this presentation.


Thank you so much. You’ve probably saved my life/others through this hour long presentation. ♡

"Definitely Worth My Time"

"Did today’s presentation have enough impact on you that you will now think twice about taking your eyes off the road while driving (be honest)? Please explain:..."


Yes, especially when you told us to think if our last text was worth it and showed your crash scenarios.


I know the dangers of texting/distracted driving but not everyone does and this presentation is definitely worth an hour of my time.

"100%"

"Did today’s presentation have enough impact on you that you will now think twice about taking your eyes off the road while driving (be honest)? Please explain:..."


100% – My daughter is the first to say put that down – it can wait. She is absolutely correct + so smart/brave for confronting anyone she drives with.


Thank you for inviting us parents. I wish all could have made it today.


You are incredibly strong + powerful.

Shoreham Wading Recommendation Letter

Corporate Testimonials

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Regional VP - United Site Services

“IMPACTFUL! Karen's presentation WILL CHANGE the behaviors of your drivers.”

Mechanic - Orange & Rockland Utility Company

“The distracted driving presentation was captivating. Karen needs to come back annually.”

Transportation Driver - Ace Endico Corporation

“Wow, just Wow!”

General Superintendent - Posollico Civil Inc.

“Powerful does not even begin to describe Karen's presentation and how she captured everyone's attention”

Chief Fleet Management Officer - Fleet Safety Forum NYC

“There wasn't a dry eye in the house.”

Project Manager - D.S. Collins Companies

“Well deserved standing ovation.”

Jim Baraw - Vermont Governors Highway Safety

“Karen gave a presentation for the Vermont Teen Driver Education Summit this past fall 2016. Her presentation was dynamic, captures your attention and is truly heartfelt. She speaks with passion on the topic of Distracted Driving based on knowledge and a personal life experience involving her “DAD.” During her presentation, she hits home hard with several key points, ending with asking people to look at the last text they send, and if that text is worth your own or another person’s life. This presentation is filled with many “Aha” moments, Karen is truly a dynamic presenter worth listing to again and again. I look forward to having her back in Vermont at some point.”

Frank DeClara, Eastern Canadian Vice President - Driving School Association of the Americas

“I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Karen on behalf of the Driving Schools Association of the Americas. Karen truly "wows" a crowd during her presentations on the scourge that is distracted driving. At our international conference in San Antonio, Texas in 2015, Ms. Torres was voted the top speaker of the entire week. Her passion for the cause infuses everyone who hears her message. I recommend Karen as a dynamic presenter for any corporate or school function.”

Chief Commercial Officer - Miller Environmental Group, Inc.

“Nothing is more important to us than keeping our people safe, and Karen NAILED home that message.”

Regional VP - United Site Services

“IMPACTFUL! Karen's presentation WILL CHANGE the behaviors of your drivers.”

Mechanic - Orange & Rockland Utility Company

“The distracted driving presentation was captivating. Karen needs to come back annually.”

Transportation Driver - Ace Endico Corporation

“Wow, just Wow!”

General Superintendent - Posollico Civil Inc.

“Powerful does not even begin to describe Karen's presentation and how she captured everyone's attention”

Chief Fleet Management Officer - Fleet Safety Forum NYC

“There wasn't a dry eye in the house.”

Project Manager - D.S. Collins Companies

“Well deserved standing ovation.”

Jim Baraw - Vermont Governors Highway Safety

“Karen gave a presentation for the Vermont Teen Driver Education Summit this past fall 2016. Her presentation was dynamic, captures your attention and is truly heartfelt. She speaks with passion on the topic of Distracted Driving based on knowledge and a personal life experience involving her “DAD.” During her presentation, she hits home hard with several key points, ending with asking people to look at the last text they send, and if that text is worth your own or another person’s life. This presentation is filled with many “Aha” moments, Karen is truly a dynamic presenter worth listing to again and again. I look forward to having her back in Vermont at some point.”

Frank DeClara, Eastern Canadian Vice President - Driving School Association of the Americas

“I have had the pleasure and honor of working with Karen on behalf of the Driving Schools Association of the Americas. Karen truly "wows" a crowd during her presentations on the scourge that is distracted driving. At our international conference in San Antonio, Texas in 2015, Ms. Torres was voted the top speaker of the entire week. Her passion for the cause infuses everyone who hears her message. I recommend Karen as a dynamic presenter for any corporate or school function.”

Chief Commercial Officer - Miller Environmental Group, Inc.

“Nothing is more important to us than keeping our people safe, and Karen NAILED home that message.”

Chris Manfredi, Agency Principal - Allstate

“I have known Karen for many years and have asked her to present countless times to both student and adult audiences. For me, each and every Distracted Driving Presentation is just as compelling as my first. Though her slideshow updates and changes, the message stays the same. She is dedicated to memorializing her Dad and making people realize that no one else should be the cause or effect of this senseless tragedy. The incomprehensible pain and suffering that she and her family had to endure because of an avoidable, totally selfish act, should never be repeated. With photos, music and lecture, Karen brings tragedies to life with actual names and their stories. She confirms that while being distracted, if only for a few seconds, there will be consequences. People do get hurt, people do suffer and people do die. I commend her strength and dedication to the cause by reliving her worst nightmare over and over. Karen is a vital part of this very important movement, and by sharing her story, my hope, is that her time is not in vain and that each audience member has an opportunity to reflect and re-evaluate the most important things in life.”

Posillco Annual Meeting

Past Presentations