Protecting lives on the road during National Safety Month and beyond

Consequences of Distracted Driving and Speeding disproportionately impact Black lives

June marks the beginning of summer and the observance of National Safety Month.

The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are calling on all drivers to prioritize safety and help raise awareness about current dangerous driving behavior and its disproportionate impact on Black communities in California and across the U.S.

ACCORDING to the latest projections from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 4,400 people were killed in traffic crashes in California in 2022, or 12 people every day. A disproportionate number of those deaths affect Black communities and people walking and cycling. People outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as people riding inside vehicles.

A recent study published by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that, on a national level, Black people experience a passenger vehicle fatality rate 73% higher than their white counterparts, with the highest overall traffic fatality rate per mile traveled and across all modes of transportation, including walking, cycling and driving. In California, Black pedestrians have a 65% higher fatality rate compared to white pedestrians.

In an era where screens dominate our attention, distractions behind the wheel have become an alarming issue. Using a phone to dial, talk or text doubles the risk of a driver getting into a crash. Sending or receiving a text message takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. In 2020, 3,142 Americans were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers.

Other dangerous driving behaviors like speeding have also become increasingly normalized. Whether it involves exceeding the posted speed limit, driving too fast for con-

It’s pink for charity

ditions or racing, speeding was a factor in 29% of all national traffic fatalities in 2021. In California, 1,509 people were killed in speeding-related crashes in 2021.

To address the dangers of distracted driving, speeding and the disproportionate impacts each dangerous behavior has on Black lives, the OTS and Caltrans launched a callto-action campaign that aims to establish a strong safety culture in California. You can join the Go Safely Movement and become a traffic safety champion by taking a short Community Call to Action survey to share what issues you are experiencing in your everyday travels. Your answers will assist the OTS and Caltrans in strengthening connections with communities, providing access to resources, and promoting traffic safety across transportation systems.

Civil rights attorney and child advocate Areva Martin and Special Needs Network celebrate 15th year charity event

LOS ANGELES -- The vibrant Beverly Hills Hilton was abuzz with excitement as civil rights attorney and child advocate Areva Martin and Special Needs Network (SNN) presented the 15th Annual Pink Pump Affair, an annual signature charity event. The affair, held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, brought together more than 500 influential women and men from entertainment, government, media, non-profits and business to celebrate remarkable individuals who have ignited powerful growth and brought about extraordinary change throughout Southern California.

Clad in striking power pink attire, hundreds of professionals converged for this highly anticipated springtime extravaganza. The day was packed with activities, including a captivating fashion show, a champagne reception, a live auction, and the prestigious Women of Distinction awards ceremony.

This year’s event welcomed acclaimed actress, director, and producer Salli Richardson Whitfield, known for her notable performances in “I Am Legend,” “Eureka,” “Queen Sugar,” and “Luke Cage,” as one of the esteemed guest speakers.

Joining her was Alfre Woodard, an Oscar-nominated and multiple Emmy-winning actress and activist, recognized for her roles in “Clemency,”

“Cross Creek,” “LA Law,” and

“Hill Street Blues.”

The Women of Distinction awards ceremony shone a spotlight on exceptional trailblazers who have left an indelible mark in their respective fields.

California State Controller Malia Cohen was honored with the Trailblazer Award for her outstanding contributions. Additionally, entrepreneurs Kerri Harper-Howie and Nicole Harper-Rawlins, fondly known as the “Harper sisters,” received the Empowerment Award in recognition of their achievements as owners of 18 McDonald’s franchises in the Los Angeles area.

Setting the stage for an unforgettable experience, the event featured award-winning KCBS-TV2 anchor Pat Harvey as the mistress of ceremonies, effortlessly guiding the audience through the day’s proceedings. Adding an extra touch of charm was the charismatic Donnell Turner from ABC’s “General Hospital,” who took on the role of the celebrity auctioneer, elevating the excitement during the live auction.

The Women of Distinction awards have a rich history of honoring exceptional women who have left an indelible impact. Past honorees include celebrated actresses Jenifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, Holly Robinson Peete, Tisha Campbell, Niecy Nash, Angela Bassett, and distinguished figures such as Senator Barbara Box- er and Vice President Kamala Harris.

This year’s event featuring swag bags filled with fabulous goodies and a live silent auction offering incredible items such as sold-out concert tickets for Grammy winners Janet Jackson and Ludacris at the Hollywood Bowl, a week-long summer vacation stay in Martha’s Vineyard, and tickets to see Grammy winner Usher in concert, among many other enticing options.

Proceeds from A Pink Pump Affair will play a crucial role in helping SNN achieve its vision with the opening of the landmark Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities (C.A.D.D.). Located on the campus of the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Hospital in the Watts/Willowbrook community of South Los Angeles, C.A.D.D. will serve as a centralized hub where all programs and services can converge under one roof, amplifying the impact of SNN’s work in the South Los Angeles community.