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East Valley dad warns of roadway danger
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MOURNING SON: Paul Reif displays a photo of his son, Matthew, who died June 6, 2006, when metal debris crashed into his truck and killed him.
Thomas Boggan, Tribune
Father’s Day will be difficult for Gilbert dad Paul Reif. But it’s a day he can use to warn others about an often overlooked hazard on Valley roads that took the life of his only son.
Matthew Reif, 29, was killed instantly on June 6, 2006, when a foot-long piece of metal debris catapulted through his truck windshield and pierced a main artery in his heart.
Paul Reif said he knew when he heard of the accident on Hunt Highway in Pinal County that something had happened to his son. A late-night knock on his door confirmed his worst fear.
On Friday, Reif proudly displayed photos of his son and encouraged drivers to learn from what happened.
“It really is an easy cure,” Reif said. “People aren’t stupid. They’re not ignorant. They don’t realize how big of a danger this is. If they know that road debris is dangerous and it kills, and my son was killed by it — who’s next?”
Reif has offered to tell his story for the “Don’t Trash Arizona” campaign funded jointly by the Maricopa Association of Governments and Arizona Department of Transportation, which seeks to educate the public to safely tie down belongings in vehicles.
Fines for driving with loose debris are $460.
And drivers whose debris harms or kills another person can be charged with a crime, said Sgt. Tim Mason, spokesman for the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
He said the majority of dangerous debris comes from pickups and cars — not large commercial trucks. Many times, motorists try to hold down a ladder or mattress with their hands as they drive — which could easily lead to disaster, he said.
The top dangerous items seen along roads are tire debris, mattresses, ladders, couch and chair cushions, bed liners, appliances, camper shells, carpet, plastic patio chairs and sheet metal or duct work.
To ensure a load is safely secured: Tie it down firmly with solid straps or bungee cords; cover up loose, lighter items, such as tree clippings, with a sturdy tarp that’s secured; put lighter-weight items on the bottom of a load and make sure they are secure or unable to slide; and don’t overload.
Drivers should also doublecheck that everything won’t move or settle before hitting the road, and ensure the vehicle and trailer are in good condition.
To report debris on the roadway, dial 911, or call (877) 354-8837. For information visit www.DontTrashAZ.com.
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