East Ridge High School welcomed The 24/7 Movement to speak with our senior class ahead of Prom. Guest speaker Matt Dillard shared the powerful story behind The 24/7 Movement, offering students an up-close look at the actual SUV involved in the tragic crash that took the lives of his son, Dustin, and daughter-in-law, Brittany Dillard, on Christmas Day 2022. They were killed by a drunk driver.
Matt also spoke about Dustin and Brittany’s three young children—ages 2, 4, and 7—who survived the crash despite life-threatening injuries. Their survival was due in large part to proper use of child car seats and seat belt safety, as well as the quick response of first responders and medical teams.
During the presentation, Matt emphasized several key messages:
Choices Matter: Buckle Up – Phone Down – Drive Sober
Underage Drinking and Driving
Texting and Distracted Driving
Seatbelt Safety
The Value of Every Student Present
It was a heartfelt and impactful reminder of how one decision can change lives forever.
