At 16 years old, I never imagined I would be a car accident survivor.
"
On May 3rd, 2009, my back was broken by a driver that made a very poor decision. My father and I were hit head-on by a negligent driver and our lives will never be the same. I am in need of a future spinal surgery and live with back pain every second of every day. My earring was torn from ear, my shoulder dislocated, my knee received a contusion, I had severe whiplash in my neck, broke my nose and my foot, and I had ruptured skin from seatbelt pressure and fabric burns. My father also suffered a traumatic brain injury, along with breaking his wrist and ribs. He will never be the same. How would you feel if your own father looked you in the eyes and couldn't remember your name or even recognize you? That moment should be enough to make you think twice about making rash decisions while driving. After suffering from aches and pains and PTSD for years, I was ashamed and angry to talk about my accident. Now, I am stronger because I have learned lessons from my accident and have chosen to make something of my experiences. - I cannot stress it enough, seat belts save lives. Seat belts save lives. I don't know how many times I have to say this, but I wouldn't be here today without mine. Airbags also save lives, so proper auto care is important. - Second, the right of way should always be given to those traveling on the road. If you are turning on or off a road, or changing lanes, you must yield and give the right of way to those around you. This isn't common courtesy; this is the #1 rule of safety while driving. - Third, the consequences will always be much worse than you can possibly imagine. I know many people that have had their lives turned upside-down by car accidents, and have lost loved ones. - Losing everything in a split second can be the most traumatizing experience. I certainly hope this is the last accident I ever have to experience. I will do everything in my power to be a Responsible and Educated Driver. Wanting to make a difference and do something about safer driving, I started my own safe driving program. I have used social media to spread safe driving tips to help other drivers think about the choices they make on and off the road. RED - Responsible & Educated Drivers will be with me for the rest of my life. It has helped me grow and now I freely talk about my accident to help others. It is still uncomfortable to think about, and deal with, the sometimes graphic materials of road and pedestrian safety, but if I can help prevent others from suffering, I am willing to work with this cause every day. Please drive safe and think about yourself and your friends and family. Imagine that your little sisters, brothers, mom, or dad are in the cars around you while you are driving. The people in those cars may not actually be your family, but they are someone elses' loved ones. Driving a 4,000-pound machine is a responsibility. Be a Responsible & Educated Driver. My program can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter"
-Amber Dawn Butler
Survivor and RED Founder
Partners & Sponsors
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
RED – Responsible & Educated Drivers Founder and President
Ford Driving Skills for Life Survivor Ambassador
Put it Down Campaign Presentation University Tour
High School Guest Speaker
Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Distracted Driving course instructor & 18 Wheeler Blind Spot instructor with Publix
CarFit Program Manager
Drivers Edge Volunteer
RED OUTREACH
Traveled 5,880 miles with RED
Kateyes Driver Improvement Program with the MDDOT, 2016-2017
'Drive Safe' Campaign Partner, State Tour Florida, 2016-2018
Given out over 2,450 RED Safe driving goody-bags, 2013-current*
‘Put it Down’ Campaign Partner, State Tour Florida, 2013-2018
Traveled to university and college campuses across South Florida for safety fairs
University of Miami Community Traffic Safety Team Student Chair & Founder in Partnership with the Police Department and SGA
Work with traffic, pedestrian, and bike issues on main Coral Gables campus and Key Virginia Campus
“Just Drive, Maryland” Scholarship Partner with Ingerman and Horowitz L.L.P.
AWARDS & HONORS
Miss Florida Quality of Life Honor, 2016
RSMAS University of Miami Graduate Studies Service Award, 2016
Who’s Who Among Students in America Universities and Colleges, 2015
Miss America Community Service Award for the state of Florida, 2014
Miss University of Miami of the Miss America Organization, 2014
RED – Responsible & Educated Drivers Founder and President
Ford Driving Skills for Life Survivor Ambassador
Put it Down Campaign Presentation University Tour
High School Guest Speaker
Bridgestone Teens Drive Smart Distracted Driving course instructor & 18 Wheeler Blind Spot instructor with Publix
CarFit Program Manager
Drivers Edge Volunteer
RED OUTREACH
Traveled 5,880 miles with RED
Kateyes Driver Improvement Program with the MDDOT, 2016-2017
'Drive Safe' Campaign Partner, State Tour Florida, 2016-2018
Given out over 2,450 RED Safe driving goody-bags, 2013-current*
‘Put it Down’ Campaign Partner, State Tour Florida, 2013-2018
Traveled to university and college campuses across South Florida for safety fairs
University of Miami Community Traffic Safety Team Student Chair & Founder in Partnership with the Police Department and SGA
Work with traffic, pedestrian, and bike issues on main Coral Gables campus and Key Virginia Campus
“Just Drive, Maryland” Scholarship Partner with Ingerman and Horowitz L.L.P.
AWARDS & HONORS
Miss Florida Quality of Life Honor, 2016
RSMAS University of Miami Graduate Studies Service Award, 2016
Who’s Who Among Students in America Universities and Colleges, 2015
Miss America Community Service Award for the state of Florida, 2014
Miss University of Miami of the Miss America Organization, 2014