him died as a result of their injuries. O'Brien walked away with just a scratch on his elbow and a complete change in Witnessing a tragedy brings perspective. After learning that the crash could likely ha a change in perspective been caused by the simple act of the driver reaching for a cell phone, O'Brien realized he could not let witnessing this tragedy pass without trying to do something to stop it from happening again O'Brien is the first to admit that up until that day, he always used his cell phone while driving. With a job that requires him to be on the road during his workday, spending his drive time while talking with customers and co-workers was the norm. Yet seeing the crash and knowing it was completely avoidable had a cell phone not been involved WORTH IT. is what stuck with him. Using a cell phone while driving is a choice we make-a very selfish choice. Thinking I'm going to do this in spite of everyone else because my text or my phone call is that important, yet it's not," says O'Brien. "It's sad that it took such a tragic incident to make me believe in it so strongly Unfortunately, I think that's how most of us get ther O'Brien returned to work the following week with a new Distracted Driving Awareness month presented by focus: to share the message that distracted driving i worth it. He created a powerful PowerPoint presentation and began spreading his message through his work at As a risk control representative for UFG Insurance in Cedar Rapids, it's Shawn O'Brien's job to spot potential risks. Yet nothing in his 25 years of experience could have prepared him for the events of Friday, July 15, 2011 Nor could he have ever predicted how that day would UFG Seven years and numerous presentations later, O'Brien estimates hundreds of people have now likely heard his message. And while his main audiences began as busines owners who are UFG customers, his powerful message continue to shape his life and career in the years to come. is now requested at schools, community groups and O Brien was on his way from a meeting with a customer conferences. in Anamosa. Living in Springville at the time, it was a O'Brien's experience and passion for sharing his story route he had taken numerous times and it was a bwas also key in the development of a public service summer day. He was looking forward to the weekend and spending time camping with his family campaign UFG has developed, titled simply: "Worth it Says O'Brien: "We all have things in our life that Driving west behind an SUV, those carefree thoughts value tremendously and no phone call is worth losing any turned to shock in a matter of seconds. As an oncoming one of those things. Not just with cell phones, but with the car rounded a curve in the road, it crossed the centerline, eating and the hands-free devices, and everything else crashing nearly head-on into the vehicle in front of O'Brien. drivers do besides concentrating on the road. Nothing is Swerving to miss the crash, O'Brien's own SUV landed on its side in the ditch. worth it: For more statistics, information and educational content Two of the three occupants of the vehicle ahead of regarding distracted driving, visit ufgworthit.com