Family Continues Mission to Combat Distracted Driving

Many drivers are repeatedly warned about distracted driving. Local teens are likely tired of hearing it. But for Zarin Kapur, it's a message that can't be repeated enough. 

Distracted driving claimed the life of her niece Shreya R. Dixit, a former Simsbury resident, at age 19. 

That all too important message is why her family is hosting the fourth Connecticut Raksha (Sanskrit for protection) Walk on Oct. 19 to raise awareness. 

"It's a constant reminder to people," Kapur said. "That's why it's important to have these walks." 

Dixit was killed on Nov. 1, 2007 when the driver of the vehicle she was in reached back to pick up a napkin. The car crashed into a highway pillar, killing Dixit. At the time, she was a student at the University of Wisconsin and was on her way home to Minnesota, where the family had moved several years earlier. 

After the accident the family established the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation.

They've spent many years raising awareness about all types of distracted driving, working with lawmakers, producing documentaries, funding driver education programs and more. 

Despite the education Kapur knows it is so easy to be distracted. But she also knows the potential consequences. Every time the family gets together, someone is missing. 

"All you can think about is Shreya not being there," she said. "It's something we always think about. It never leaves our hearts." 

On Oct. 19, a 5K walk and 10K run will start at 9 a.m. at Simsbury Farms, 100 Old Farms Road. Registration is $11. Pre-register or do so at the event. 

For more information on the walk and the Shreya R. Dixit Memorial Foundation visit:
http://shreyadixit.org/ 
https://www.facebook.com/shreyamemorial