WOODBURY, Minn.–Ideal Credit Union has relaunched a “Don’t Text & Drive” awareness campaign that it first launched in 2016 in honor of an employee who was killed by a distracted driver.
The “Stop the Texts, Stop the Wrecks” campaign consists of 15- and 30-second TV ads on Twin Cities stations WCCO and KARE, an online pledge at idealcu.com/pledge, and efforts to increase awareness through its social media channels. The two ads can also be found on Ideal CU’s YouTube page.
By taking the pledge, drivers agree to not text while operating a vehicle, keep their eyes on the road at all times and encourage others to help end distracted driving.
Ideal conducted the first don’t text and drive awareness campaign in September of 2016 in honor of David Riggs, an employee who was hit by a distracted driver in August of 2013 and died four days later. The accident took place right in front of the Riggs home as 20-year-old David was waiting to turn into his driveway. David’s older brothers Mike and Matt are featured in the don’t text and drive awareness ads, Ideal CU said.
“David was part of our credit union family, and his loss hit all of us hard,” said Brian Sherrick, Ideal CU president/CEO. “We all see drivers who are more focused on their mobile devices than the road, and that creates a dangerous situation for everyone.”
The texting awareness television ads will run through the month of August. Governor Mark Dayton has issued a proclamation making August 17 “David Riggs Distracted Driving Awareness Day” in the state of Minnesota.