Anti-distracted driving videos now online

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- An anti-distracted driving online campaign began Tuesday when U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood revealed the "Faces of Distracted Driving" video series.

The online series, which begins with three videos, features people from across the United States who were injured or lost someone in crashes tied to distracted driving, the department said in a release. In 2009, nearly 5,500 people died and 500,000 people were injured in accidents involving a distracted driver.

"These videos are dramatic evidence that the lives lost to America's distracted driving epidemic aren't statistics. They're children, parents, neighbors, and friends," LaHood said. "These people have courageously come forward to share their personal tragedies in order to warn others against making the dangerous decision to talk or text behind the wheel."

"Faces of Distracted Driving" is part of LaHood's work to raise public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and to support victims.