On Tuesday, April 5, students at Oneida, Holy Cross Academy, Canastota and Stockbridge Valley high schools heard Karen Torres share her story. More than 10 years ago, Karen received a phone call that forever changed her life. Her father, Patrick Mapleson, was struck and killed by a distracted driver while working along the highway. This began her journey as a safety advocate, speaker, and educator for students, families and organizations across New York.
Local schools in Madison County will be having their proms through the months of April and May. The Office of the Sheriff and the Department of Motor Vehicles sponsored Karen Torres to come and speak to the students. It was coordinated by BRiDGES.
Approximately 870 students heard her talk Tuesday about how no call or text is worth a life. She encouraged students to speak up if they are in a car where the driver is using a cell phone. Sharing public service announcements in her presentation, she demonstrated how wearing a safety belt in the back seat of a car keeps a person safe and keeps that person from injuring the other passengers. Karen also spoke up about the importance of driving safe and sober as graduations are approaching.
Torres will be coming back to the area May 3 to speak to Madison and Hamilton high school students.