MORE THAN 700 STUDENTS WILL ATTEND DISTRACTED DRIVING AWARNESS MONTH PRESENTATION AT STEPHEN-ARGYLE

Stephen-Argyle Central Schools will host a presentation by Tom Goeltz for students and community members on Wednesday, April 3rd. A student presentation will be held at 1:00 p.m. in Kimball Auditorium in Stephen, MN involving 700+ students and 80+ staff from the following regional schools: Stephen-Argyle Central, Kittson County Central, Lancaster, Tri-County, Grygla, Goodridge, and Greenbush-Middle River. A community presentation will be held in the Argyle Auditorium at 6:00 p.m. A free will donation baked potato bar and soup will be served by the Argyle Area Wellness Committee from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. in the Argyle Cafeteria. All community members from the NW Region are invited to attend the evening presentation. There is no cost for attendance.

Distracted driving is a public health issue that affects us all. The latest statistics show motor vehicle fatalities are up 6% from 2015. More than 40,000 people were killed on our nation’s roadways in 2017, and distracted driving is a major contributor.

Each death is 100% preventable. From cell phones to dashboard infotainment systems to evolving voice command features – all pose a threat to our safety. Just one second of your attention is all it takes to change a life forever.

Tom Goeltz is no stranger to safety. In fact, he has been a safety professional and advocate his whole life. But nothing could have prepared him for the unimaginable. In February 2016, Tom’s daughter, Megan, was waiting in her car at a stop sign when a car traveling at a high rate of speed crossed over two lanes of traffic, into a ditch and into Megan’s car. Tom’s daughter and her unborn child lost their lives in this horrific crash.

Tom and his family’s lives will never be the same. Tom is currently helping to raise his daughter’s oldest child. He is a survivor advocate and is hoping for tougher laws and regulations around distracted driving, not only in his state, but nationwide. Tom also actively speaks to professionals and students about the dangers of distracted driving, in the hope of saving lives. Please join our students and community members for Tom’s presentation on Wednesday, April 3rd at 6:00 p.m. in Argyle.

Thomas R. Goeltz, CSP
Vice President – Risk Management Services
Risk Management/Insurance Experience: 30+ years

  • Years with Hays Companies: Since 2005
  • Professional Designations/Memberships: Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
  • BSE degree in Occupational Safety from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
  • Victim’s Advocate with the National Safety Council (NSC) – Distracted Driving