Community Invited to Presentation on Distracted, Impaired Driving

Pam O'Donnell will tell her heartbreaking story on May 14 at 7 PM in Morris Township. After losing her husband and 5-year-old daughter to a drunk driver in 2016, she transformed her grief into action.

As the first regular citizen to become a Commissioned Certified Instructor for New Jersey police academies, O'Donnell created the Catch You Later Foundation. Through the foundation, she gives out scholarships and advocates for better road safety education.

"Is this building that is only going to be used for three more years worth the investment that we are making?" O'Donnell said to Morris Focus.

The talk covers dangerous driving habits using real-life examples. Recent accidents involving local teenagers have drawn large crowds to similar talks across Morris County.

Working with New Jersey's #77 program, the foundation helps combat reckless drivers. People can dial this number when they see unsafe driving on the road.

Students watch staged crashes at school events. These powerful demonstrations combine statistics with personal stories, showing how quick decisions can destroy lives forever.

Michael Burakoff, a Morristown attorney, offers free case reviews for those injured by distracted drivers.

During the May event, O'Donnell will discuss drunk driving and texting dangers. Police officers will be there to answer questions about traffic laws.

Young people can learn about the foundation's scholarship program. These awards remember crash victims while encouraging teens to make safer driving choices.

Through her work with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, O'Donnell spreads her message across the country. She trains police and speaks up to prevent avoidable crashes.