The City of Medford has been selected by the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys (MATA) as a lead community in the campaign to “End Distracted Driving.” The MATA will host a press conference on Monday, February 4, 2013 at 10 AM in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House to announce its participation in a statewide effort to combat distracted driving in Massachusetts.

MATA President Timothy C. Kelleher, III, and Philadelphia attorney Joel Feldman, will announce the MATA’s role in bringing this program to local high schools throughout the state. Attorney Feldman started the program after losing his 21 year old daughter to a distracted driver in 2009. During his tenure as President of the MATA, Attorney Kelleher has made this important safety program for high school drivers a priority. During the press conference, Attorneys Kelleher and Feldman will be debuting a national PSA about the dangers of distracted driving. The PSA includes interviews with the daughter of a man killed by a distracted driver as well as the young woman who was responsible for the accident. Mayor Michael J. McGlynn and Superintendent Roy Belson will be in attendance at this press conference.

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 9:45 AM in the Caron Theatre at Medford High School, MATA President Kelleher and Attorney Feldman will join with Mayor Michael J. McGlynn and Superintendent Belson, as they kick off the first presentation of the “End Distracted Driving” program for Medford students.