About Us

MISSION AND VISION

We aim to educate and bring awareness to the dangers of unsafe and distracted driving, and to foster an environment of safety for all who utilize our public roadways.. “SAFETY IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY.”

Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

We aspire to humanize all road users by promoting awareness, providing cycling safety education and by having an active part in the community. AWARENESS IS THE KEY. Through awareness, we hope that injuries can be avoided, suffering alleviated, and… LIVES WILL BE SAVED.

History

Look – Save a Life is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, founded in 2009 after a summer, which saw the death of several cyclists on Idaho roads, most notably, a teammate and local outdoor sports enthusiast Kevin Pavlis. Kevin was more than a teammate and sports enthusiast; he was a beloved husband, father and friend. A group of his friends, especially affected by his untimely death, organized the foundation with the goal of saving lives.

That same year, Brendan Lyons of Tucson, AZ was just beginning his career as a firefighter. He responded to countless motor vehicle crashes caused by distracted driving, several of which he responded to were fatal incidents.

In 2011, Brendan lived the painful reality he responded to as a firefighter when he was on the receiving end of a right-hook, bicycling on his day off. One motorist’s unsafe lane change forced a collision, sending him to the hospital. Compelled to do something in order to make a difference, Brendan partnered with the Boise based operation, bringing LOOK! Save a Life to Southern Arizona. As he was getting more involved with the organization and bringing about increased awareness, the unimaginable happened.

Brendan was out riding with his girlfriend Lorena on the morning of her birthday in October 2013, a distracted driver traveling 45 mph struck them from behind.

Lorena suffered a shattered wrist; Brendan spent a month in the hospital with several-fractured vertebra, a fractured pelvis and other injuries. He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and would be forced to learn how to walk again, often using a wheelchair to get around.

Throughout months of endless doctors appointments, physical / occupational therapy, as well as neurological and cognitive rehabilitation; he maintained focus on sharing the message of LOOK! Save A Life.

A Moment’s Distraction Can Be A Lifetime of Regret. A powerful message shared by many in the community. So powerful in fact the Pima County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a ban on texting while driving.

Unfortunately, Arizona is still one of two states that has failed, yet to adopt any prohibition on texting while driving. Many municipalities have been doing their fair share to pass legislature, but there is not one for the entire state of Arizona.

Since Brendan’s recovery he has gotten very involved in the organization, he spends time doing public speaking engagements at local high school on the dangers of distracted driving, overcoming adversity, maintaining a positive sorrow, learning to forgive, and bringing awareness to the topic of all who utilize our public roads, especially vulnerable road users. He speaks at corporate events, law enforcement meetings, and local colleges. His message is very powerful, and accompanying him in the background is his shattered bike, all the pieces attached to a metal board to show how tragic collisions can be and what can we do to stay safe.

LOOK! Save a Life sells cycling merchandise in order to raise awareness and funds for the organization. You can purchase items at Tucson bicycle shops as well as Chandler Performance Bicycles.

In summary, “Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility”. All using public roads should know the laws, and be aware of other moving vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles and bicycles.

Programs & Accomplishments Include:

  • Providing on site safety and educational presentations for middle school, high school, college student bodies, corporate events and community forums.
  • Selling and distributing attractive, high quality, & high visibility cycling apparel through direct and retail channels.
  • Providing community education and awareness through presence at local community events.
  • Developing, producing, and distributing public safety awareness messaging for television, radio and print media.
  • Advocating for the passage of legislation making it illegal to text and drive in Pima County.
  • Establishing partnerships with first responders and law enforcement agencies (Tucson Police Department, Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Oro Valley Police Department).

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