ATLANTA — A Hollywood stunt driver is coming to Atlanta to attempt to set a world record by driving a tractor trailer backwards for more than 50 miles.
Texting and talking while driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Most people are not aware that in 2018 there were 400,000 people injured in motor vehicle crashes, with 2,841 of them fatal, due to not paying attention to the road. Many drivers are on their cellphones, eating food, or are doing some other work instead of focusing on what’s ahead.
Because of this alarming statistic, Hollywood stunt driver, motivational speaker and Australian native Brett Solomano will be attempting to set a Guinness World Record. His credits include the Walking Dead, Stranger Things and NCIS: Los Angeles.
The purpose of the event is to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020 in Turner Field – Gold Lot- 105 Fraser Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30312.
The event kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month in October. The awareness month was in April, but due to Covid-19, the date has been changed.
The unique reverse tractor trailer driving event will take place from 7 a.m. to noon. The aim is to go for several hours around the lot to make up 50 miles all non-stop.
Specific exercises will be set up to demonstrate how easy it is to get distracted while driving. Attendees will be able to climb inside a working tractor to see the benefits and limitations of driving a truck. They will also learn just how common it is to be distracted by a passenger, music or other objects outside a car by driving on the lot, trying not to hit large stuffed animals placed outside. Finally, they will be able to observe what a sudden emergency stop looks like when it goes right (and wrong) in both a car and a truck, and the importance of correct braking distances, while they watch two different vehicles respond to sudden stopping conditions
According to Solomano, “Many people have been personally affected by distracted drivers – either unnecessarily losing a loved one, or they have been injured or involved in a car accident as a result of this painful situation. By participating in our upcoming event, we hope to help educate the public, and hit home the great importance of safe driving – for everyone.”
In support of this cause, Solomano is asking people to “Take The Pledge” or to make a donation to the National Safety Council, the nation’s leading nonprofit safety advocate, to support their work in keeping drivers safe on the road. He wants individuals to pledge to “Just Drive” so as to not be distracted while getting behind the wheel.
Examples of the pledge include not to:
- Have a phone conversation either handheld or hands-free or via Bluetooth
- Text or send Snapchats
- Use voice-to-text features in the vehicle’s dashboard system
- Update social media
- Check or send emails
- Take selfies or film videos
- Input destinations into the GPS (while vehicle is in motion)
- Call or message anyone else when knowing that person is driving
Prior to the event, pledgers can also make video pledges, and encourage others to do the same.
The proceeds of the event will benefit the National Safety Council, which enables them to lead training programs, public education campaigns and legislative action to improve driver behaviors and motor vehicle safety. Event sponsors include: Katlaw Truck Driving Schools, The Georgia Motor Trucking Association, Stunt Players Directory, InFocus Plus and Carter USA.
