In August 2023, Methuen motorcyclist Austin Willette, 24, was killed by a distracted driver who was texting and caused a chain-reaction accident. Through her grief, Austin’s mother Arlene is advocating for drivers to stay alert; she’s dedicating her time to education and prevention as well as tougher laws on Beacon Hill and harsher penalties for violators.
She spoke at the April 6 City Council meeting, as April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the state of Massachusetts is marking a Motorcycle Safety Awareness period from March 22-April 30. Methuen joined other communities in recognizing these efforts.
“These two awareness efforts go hand-in-hand; they remind us all to slow down, stay alert and look out for one another on the road,” Arlene said. “A crash is not an accident. Please take these words and start the conversation with your family, your friends, your children. Because that is how we begin to make real change.
“Please help us be Austin’s voice, prevent another tragedy,” she said, reminding drivers to do a double-take of their surroundings. “Check twice – save a life!”
Arlene founded the nonprofit Austin’s Voice Against Distracted Driving 24 and is a member of Safe Streets Massachusetts chapter.
“Austin’s Voice began … to bring awareness to distracted driving, to speak for him, to fight so no other family has to live with this reality. We will not stop until we see real change and shift the way society sees distracted driving,” she said.
Arlene is appreciative of the support she has received from the community and beyond since Austin’s death. She is particularly thankful for brothers Trevor and Travis Abdallah. They met Austin at Comprehensive Grammar School and remained best friends throughout high school. Arlene says the men continue to be very close to the family throughout the ordeal of losing Austin.
“They never left and kept showing up for us,” Arlene says.
The Abdallahs were by her side again, as she spoke before City Council and the Methuen community.
Learn more about Arlene’s advocacy to end distracted driving at the Facebook page, Austin’s Voice Against Distracted Driving 24.
