My Story

A DAUGHTER'S HONOR

I would like you to take a moment and envision yourself...


as a highway maintenance worker, wearing a safety vest and holding a hard hat. You and your crew have just been given today’s assignment – pothole repair. You will be apart of a mobile unit working westbound on Sunrise Highway. As the parade of DOT trucks slows, you’ve arrived to begin a day’s work. Flashing lights, arrow boards, attenuators lowered, steam rising from the hot box, sweat dripping from your face.


With shovel in hand, it’s you, your crew, the dotted white lines and the inches that separate you from that one distracted driver. While working to complete the task at hand, you’re panic stricken from a horn blast and a loud out cry. Your head rises and you begin to scramble for the right direction...you run. You glance to your right and pause. Fear over comes you. You raise your arm and leg to shield yourself from a 13 TON bright orange cement truck that is barreling down on you. The inevitable is about to happen.


“What are you thinking”?

On March 17,2006, that distracted driver killed my father, Patrick Mapleson. The driver of this cement was careless and negligent by taking his eyes off the road, veering into the work zone, running over and killing my father. My dad is not merely a highway fatality static, but was a loving father, grandfather, friend and co-worker that was cheated from life that day. He was cheated from the next chapter of his life, retirement, spending time with his children and seeing his grandchildren grow. I went from planning a day of celebration for my dad's 66th birthday, to the darkness of choosing his coffin.

The pain and heartache of that day are still very real for me and my family.


His sudden absence left a void that can never be filled. My father's crash was a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of road crashes and the urgent need for safer driving practices. It was a life-changing event that made me realize the fragility of life and the profound impact our choices behind the wheel can have on ourselves and those we love. Through my own journey of grief and healing, I found the strength to turn this tragedy into a powerful message of road safety advocacy. I am committed to sharing my story, not only to honor my father's memory but to inspire others to prioritize safe driving, prevent future crashes, and spare families from enduring the pain we went through. Together, we can make a difference and create safer roads for everyone.

The last thing he said to me was, “I’ll see you Sunday, sweetheart”.

What’s really hard is, Sunday, where I saw him next, was in his coffin.

My story is a powerful one that can alter your perspective of driving forever. It is a deeply personal journey that resonates with audiences on a profound level.


As you listen to my message, you will understand the importance of safe driving practices and the devastating consequences of distracted driving.


My goal is to leave a lasting impact, ensuring that my life-saving message stays with your employees or students long after the presentation ends.



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