"ALISHA’S JUSTICE"

My daughter was killed by a Reckless Driver who was also a Teen.  In the last (3) years since her death I not only found out my State, PA had little to NO consequences for Vehicular Homicide when alcohol or drugs were not used but many  States.

My youngest living daughter and I lobbied the State Capitol of PA  and in less than (1) year the first Alisha's Justice was signed by our previous Governor Tom Ridge and now is a felony conviction.  The second Alisha's Justice law was signed October of this year, nearly 3 years later.

I've been contacted by numerous parents in our state and beyond about this concern they face after they tragically lost their own Teenager.

I want Nationally attention about "ALISHA'S JUSTICE so that laws can be enacted in those States where Justice has also been forgotten.

The Non-profit group I founded is derived from my daughter Alisha's initials and stands for Against Kareless Driving.  (K ) is an acronym for her middle name.  We’ve educated High School Teens for nearly (3) years but our funds are diminished at this time to continue. However, we did coordinate this years State-wide Awareness day for careless and reckless driving proclaimed by the Governor every December 6, The day that changed my life, forever. The day another Teen made a split second reckless decision.  The day Alisha was killed.

I'm forwarding a copy of the press release sent out by the Mayor's office of our City this past December 6th.

I sincerely hope you find this is a worthwhile topic since the size of the average high school classroom disappears from the face of the earth every day in our Nation because of traffic fatalities and only 21% of those deaths are alcohol related from the National Highway Traffic Administration.

Respectfully,
Alisha's Mom

Mary Kay Sidesinger
alishasjustice@aol.com
To whom it may concern,
                                                     PRESS RELEASE - FROM MAYOR’S OFFICE

    I am writing to you to give you some information regarding an event that took place in the City of York, but is of State-wide significance.


    On December 6, 1999, Alisha K. Diehl was struck down by a reckless driver. In response to this, and in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of reckless/careless driving, a program called "The Raw Truth" was developed. With momentum from Former Governor Ridge's Proclamation addressing the issue, declaring December 6th, "Against Kareless Driving
Day " and recognizing the need to provide preventative education.

    On December 6, 2002, PCN, The City of York, The School District of the City of York, as well as The Mayor, Members of Highway Traffic Safety and other public safety personnel, participated in a program to educate our youth about this issue. Governor Schweiker reiterated former Governor Ridge's proclamation, and continued this day Against Kareless Driving.  (The K in careless is intentional, the girls initials are AKD, hence the name) The culmination was a balloon launch from the steps of City hall, where many of the partners in this event gathered to launch 187 balloons representing the Teens killed last year to commemorate this event.

      The group, AKD, is trying to raise awareness, as well as support, so that they could take this program state-wide, in an effort to educate and protect our youth. If you could publicize this story, it would be very helpful in raising attention and support for their cause.

      In addition I have pictures, but I will not send them unless you would like me too.
Please let me know if you would like any further information regarding this event.

Have a good day,
Stan


Stan P. Paris
Legislative Assistant to the Mayor
City of York
50 W.King St.
York, Pa 17405
717 849-2221(phone)
717 849 2345(fax)
sparis@yorkcity.org

Furthermore,

I think it is important that you know that 21% of all teen accidents are alcohol related and that
the other 79% are mainly due to inexperience, reckless, careless driving, speeding and seat
belt use.  Please make sure you mention this is the Leading cause of death
among teens ages 16 - 21 in our Nation.  

Might be of use, if you decide to take the story

Thanks,
Stan

Stan P. Paris
Legislative Assistant to the Mayor
City of York
50 W.King St.
York, Pa 17405
717 849-2221(phone)
717 849 2345(fax)
sparis@yorkcity.org

PROCLAMATION


WHEREAS, The safety of all Pennsylvania motorists is an ongoing issue of enduring consequence; and WHEREAS, in 2000, more than 1,500 individuals lost their lives on Pennsylvania roadways; and WHEREAS, careless and reckless driving not only affects those individuals involved in the accidents, but their families, friends and communities as well; and WHEREAS, to eliminate future deaths and injury, we must strive to make our roadways safer by providing preventive education to increase awareness concerning careless and reckless driving; and WHEREAS, through preventative education, we can address the issues of time and anger management, stress and recklessness as a whole, so as a Commonwealth, we can work together to eliminate injuries and deaths caused by negligent behavior. THEREFORE, In recognition of the importance for increased awareness of careless and reckless driving, I, Mark S. Schweiker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim December 6, 2002 as AGAINST KARELESS DRIVING DAY in Pennsylvania. I encourage all motorists to enhance their efforts to safeguard themselves, their families and fellow drivers. Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this eighteenth day of November in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and Two, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and twenty-seventh.. Mark S. Schweiker Governor