Higley Father Turns Tragedy into Crusade
Urges Motorists to Secure Loads
PHOENIX (June 13, 2007) – Father’s Day will never be the same for Higley parents Paul and Toby Reif. One year ago this month, they lost their 29-year-old son Matthew in a tragic accident involving road debris. Now the Reifs draw strength from warning others about the dangers of road debris, in the hope that other families are spared from such loss.
“We miss Matthew every day, and our family will never be the same,” said Paul Reif. “If our story reminds drivers to take just five minutes to inspect their vehicles and tie down their loads properly, we might prevent other parents from experiencing our pain.”
Reif had a feeling something was wrong when radio traffic on his Pioneer Landscaping Materials truck detailed an accident along Hunt Highway on the afternoon of June 6, 2006. He began to worry, knowing that Matthew traveled this stretch of highway. He began dialing Matthew’s cell phone. The day unfolded with no return calls. Later that evening, officers arrived at the Reif residence with heartrending news. A foot-long piece of metal debris – most likely kicked up by a vehicle driving over it on the roadway – had catapulted through Matthew’s truck windshield, piercing a main artery to Matthew’s heart. He was killed instantly.
When Reif heard about Don’t Trash Arizona, a joint campaign being funded through the Maricopa Association of Governments and Arizona Department of Transportation that includes messages about unsecured loads, he came forward to offer help by telling his story.
“I realize that most people don’t do it intentionally, but they need to be aware that unsecured loads can have serious consequences. It may be the first time they haul something, or it may be something they do routinely, but being lax about loads can have serious consequences. I want people to know that their actions impact others. Road debris killed our son.”
Nationwide, there are more than 80 fatalities related to roadway debris each year. In Arizona, the ten most common types of road debris are: tire alligators, mattresses, ladders, couch/chair cushions, bed liners, appliances, camper shells, carpet, plastic patio chairs, and ducting (sheet metal and insulated duct work).
WHO: Grieving father Paul Reif offers local news media the opportunity to hear Matthew’s story as he faces Father’s Day without his son. DPS Sgt. Tim Mason talks about the department’s constant battle to remove dangerous road debris from Valley freeways.
WHAT: Higley father turns senseless tragedy into education and awareness crusade. DPS is offering the media an opportunity for a one-hour ride along with officers to observe the hazards of unsecured loads and road debris. Media must schedule ride alongs in advance. E-mail requests to Sgt. Mason at pio@azdps.gov.
WHEN: Friday, June 15, 2007. One-on-one interview opportunities available from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Ride alongs to follow as scheduled in advance (see above).
WHERE: Department of Public Safety, 2102 W. Encanto Blvd, Phoenix, south side of the building.
If debris poses an immediate threat, call 9-1-1. For more information about reporting roadway littering and debris, please click here.
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