When you pass through the waters, I will be with When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. - Isaiah 43:2 consume you. - Isaiah 43:2
On Christmas evening 2022, Dustin, Brittany and their sons were headed to a final family celebration of the Lord’s birth. Enroute their vehicle was struck head-on by a drunk driver. Dustin and Brittany (both 33) lost their lives while their three young sons sustained lifethreatening injuries. Pryor (2), Pierce (4) & Preston (7) were airlifted to a hospital where they fought to regain their health and the new normality of life. To honor the memory of Dustin & Brittany, we have started “The 24/7 Movement,” a non-profit organization seeking to prevent drunk, drugged and distracted driving. Our hope is to inspire, motivate and assist others in making sound driving decisions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
N M E M O R Y
Dustin & Brittany Dillard shared an unparalleled love for each other, their faith in the Lord, their family, and those in their lives. Dustin was a devoted family man, finding joy in spending quality time with his sons. His personality endeared Dustin to
all and his bear hugs and laugh left an indelible mark on everyone. Brittany had a passion for teaching. She held a special place in the hearts of many at Walker Valley High School earning the title of a "Rock Star" among her peers and students. Brittany's presence created an environment of safety & trust leaving a lasting impact on their lives.
The District Attorney’s report revealed the driver was traveling at excessive speeds at the time of the crash. He had the “throttle at 100 percent” on impact and had a blood alcohol content level of 0.144 which is well above Tennessee’s legal limit of 0.08. In December 2023, the driver pleaded guilty to two counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of vehicular assault related to the injuries sustained by the three children. He received a 22-year sentence without parole, plus another eight years for other offenses.
At the heart of the movement are our brave young heroes, Pryor, Pierce, and Preston. They are the “2,” “4,” and “7” of our name, which reflect their ages at the time of the crash. Not only did they suffer the heartbreaking loss of their "Mommy & Daddy" but also sustained life threatening injuries. All three boys suffered head trauma, with one experiencing a fractured skull, another having facial fractures and a brain bleed, and two of them sustaining broken legs. In the challenging early hours following the crash, it was believed the two eldest wouldn't live through the night. Yet, by the grace of God, and the actions of the first responders, they defied the odds and survived.
To engage in positive change that will reduce/prevent impaired driving and save lives.
Together, one day we can end needless deaths and injuries due to alcohol, drug and distracted driving.
The purpose of The 24/7 Movement is to reduce and prevent drunk, drugged and distracted driving through real solutions, community awareness, education, campaigns, advocacy and partnerships that focus on our core values.
Our core values are centered around continuing Dustin & Brittany's passion for making a difference, giving back to the community, and honoring Christ in all our endeavors. You can find more details about our 8 Core Values on our website.
Dillard’s Law, signed by Gov. Lee, provides for the surviving parent or guardian of a child whose parent was a victim of vehicular homicide to convert a restitution order for child maintenance payments to a civil judgment at any time rather than following the conclusion of the defendant’s sentence.
Bottom row - the Dillard boys with Governor Lee, top row (Left to Right) State Sen. Adam Lowe, Matt Dillard, State Reps. Kevin Raper and Mark Cochran, and Terri Dillard
We hope to inspire, motivate and help others make responsible driving decisions.
It takes an entire community to make a difference. Our immediate area of engagement includes Bradley, Hamilton, McMinn, Meigs and Polk Counties.
Partnerships include Cleveland City Police, Bradley County Sheriff's Dept., THSO, local schools, churches, and nonprofits.
THSO & Titans, “Fans Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” Campaign
1/3 of all car crashes are the result of drunk driving.
On average people drive drunk 80 times before getting caught.
From 2017-2023 there have been 4,135 crashes and 138 fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving in our 5 County Region of Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, McMinn & Polk Counties.
33% of all Drivers Arrested for DUI are repeat offenders. 75% DUI drivers continue to drive on a suspended license.
2 in 3 people will be involved in an alcohol-related crash in their lifetime. In 2020, 11,654 died in a drunk driving-related crash.
1 in 3 high school students have ridden in a car one or more times with someone who has been drinking.
Sources: National Highway Safety Administration Office, TN Highway Safety Office, M.A.D.D., Center for Disease Control and Prvention, S.A.D.D., FBI Crime US Stats
Educating the Public on the Dangers of Impaired Driving through Programs, Campaigns & Events like...
Friday Night Lights Safe Driving T-shirt Campaign at
The 24/7 Movement Awareness Booth & Interactive Stations at Festivals, Schools & Events. A W A R E N E S S
Safe Driving Social Media Campaigns via billboards, Instagram, Facebook & more.
The 24/7 Movement funded a Safe Driving DUI Impairment Program at Walker Valley, Bradley & Cleveland High Schools. We need your help to fund programs like this that will impact the driving behaviors of students and adults.
Annual Dustin & Brittany Dillard Scholarships for area graduating high school students.
Victim Care – coming alongside other victims and survivors of alcohol/impaired driving crashes to provide care and help.
Safety Fest – Child Car Seats, CarFit for Seniors & more.
The Christmas Wrap - free gift wrapping while raising awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
“Safe Tonight, Memories For A Lifetime” leading up to a Safe Prom & Graduation.
The I Will Not Be Silent Promise & Safe Driving Pledge
Brittany's Kids - A campus program focusing on traffic safety that started with HS students that had Brittany as their teacher at the time of the crash.
The
Randy Bonner, Executive Director
Board of Directors
Matt Dillard, President
Cheryl Dunson, Secretary
Tanner Dillard, Treasurer
Mark Gibson
Richie Hughes
Buck Campbell
Amber Winters
Kim Brooks
Brian Hood
