Maricopa Takes a Stand: The Battle Against Distracted Driving Intensifies

After a life-altering crash, the Sandell family’s black Honda Civic remains totaled in a scrapyard.

Katie Sandell is deeply affected by the dangers of distracted driving, particularly since her daughter, 6-year-old Addi, was nearly killed in a related incident in December 2022. To compound the trauma, Addi was injured again in May 2023 by another distracted driver.

This harrowing experience spurred Sandell to establish a nonprofit aimed at raising awareness about distracted driving and supporting families dealing with traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The initial trauma struck when Addi was a pedestrian looking at Christmas lights, only to be struck by a vehicle driven by someone using a smartphone.

The impact sent Addi flying 100 feet, resulting in severe injuries, including a traumatic brain injury and internal decapitation. Had she been a year or two older, the outcome might have been fatal.

Addi’s inspiring recovery has drawn attention, even leading to a contract from Trinity Broadcasting, a religious television network based in California. Capitalizing on this platform, Sandell created a Facebook page titled “Addi’s Miracle” to document her daughter’s journey.

“I wanted to transform Addi’s Miracle into a nonprofit to assist families new to TBI,” Sandell explained. “It’s a lonely path, and support can be hard to find.” Unfortunately, Addi faced further challenges in May when a distracted driver rear-ended them on State Route 347, resulting in new complications in her recovery.

Addi began to show concerning symptoms after the May crash, such as slurred speech and difficulties walking. The whiplash from the incident diagnosed her with Secondary Impact Syndrome, highlighting the risks of multiple TBIs.

Sandell noted the uncertainty surrounding Addi’s long-term prognosis. “She has regressed in her speech progress,” she lamented. “She struggled with pronunciation and could no longer drink from a cup without a straw.” Summer saw a return to physical therapy for Addi, though her doctors remain hopeful.

Rather than focusing solely on Addi’s recovery, Sandell’s mind often reflects on the broader issue of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 3,308 individuals lost their lives in distracted driving accidents in 2022 — an alarming statistic that emphasizes the urgency of the issue.

In 2022, Addi’s accident occurred in Arizona, which ranks among the states with the highest pedestrian fatalities. “The statistics are alarming,” Sandell remarked, “and the issue extends beyond Arizona.”

Despite ongoing educational efforts, many continue to use their phones while driving. The AAA Foundation found that two-thirds of drivers still engage in phone use, indicating a significant gap in effective prevention measures. “People need to see the harsh realities of distracted driving,” Sandell insisted.

The impact of distracted driving is illustrated further by the story of Kyle Johnson, a 33-year-old UPS driver. Just over a year after Addi’s initial accident, Johnson found himself in a street racing incident on December 29, 2023, leading to a catastrophic crash that would change his life.

Johnson, who was traveling home, was rear-ended by a speeding car, causing his vehicle to roll five times. The aftermath left him with a fractured spine, six broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. He now grapples with persistent pain and the uncertainty of his future in a physically demanding job.

Both Johnson and Addi’s stories highlight the enduring consequences of distracted driving, a reality that increasingly calls for a collective response. Similarly, Sharon Watt, who experienced a brain injury as a child due to a distracted driver, has also found her way into the conversation surrounding TBI recovery.

Now 55, Watt suffered debilitating injuries from the incident, which affected her into adulthood. A recent ATV accident in April 2022 triggered a new series of health challenges, ultimately leading to a diagnosis that revealed previously overlooked issues stemming from her childhood injury.

Through these stories, Sandell and Watt connected, sharing insights and experiences that have further motivated Sandell’s plans for her nonprofit. Watt’s expertise in nonprofit administration provides invaluable guidance as Sandell moves forward with her mission.

“A clearly defined mission is essential,” Watt advised. “That’s where it all starts.” Sandell understands the enormity of the task ahead as she aims to raise awareness about the devastating repercussions of distracted driving.

“We need to educate our kids and adults about the dangers,” Sandell urged. “Many don’t realize the true risks until tragedy strikes.” Currently, she is working on the legal aspects of establishing her nonprofit and has introduced a website, SurvivorsAgainstDistractedDriving.com, to keep the public informed.

The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but Sandell remains determined to shine a light on the implications of distracted driving and support those affected by it.