Liberty Auto Salvage

Campaign pushes to end texting while driving

Have you seen the billboard "Txt & Drive - Killr Idea"?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

The 60 billboards that have been erected in North Carolina are part of a campaign launched by local businessmen who have taken on the mission to eliminate texting while driving.

The father of a teenage daughter, Allen Finley, was concerned by the increasing accidents with increased use of smart phones. Many know him as a member of Hickory rock band 20/20.

Finley joined forces with Giovanni Guidi, President of international leather manufacturer Euro Leather, and Jamie Machut, regional manager of outdoor advertising company Lamar Advertising. They hope to get the attention of the National Ad Council to take the campaign nationwide.

All of the work has been donated.

"We are just hoping to create awareness, change lives and save lives," said Finley, creative director of Finley Advertising.

They are estimating that more than two million people should see the message daily.

To make the message even stronger, the nation's largest casket manufacturer is funding the printing of 15,000 posters with the image of a casket next to the slogan. Bumper stickers also will have these graphics. And KICKS 103.3 FM is donating Public Service Announcements.

Southside Park in Newton will host this year's Motorcycle, Truck and Car Show Classic on July 30. The classic is sponsored by the Newton Parks and Recreation Department. The admission fee is $2; children 12 and younger are admitted for free. The gates will open at 11 a.m.

The $15 vehicle registration is allowed until 3 p.m. on the day of the show. Three vehicles in each class will be awarded trophies for winner, runner-up, and best in show. For clubs with six or more members who participate, additional trophies will recognize farthest distance, best dressed, and most members.

Several dealerships in the area will have exhibits, including Kawasaki Yamaha Suzuki of Hickory, Blue Ridge Harley Davidson and Buell of Hickory, Honda Yamaha and Suzuki of Statesville, Benson's Cycle Salvage of Newton, AutoZone Auto Parts of Newton, O'Reilly Auto Parts of Newton, NAPA Auto Parts of Newton and Advance Auto Parts of Newton.

Another activity planned is "Motorcycle Games with the Harley Davidson Riders vs. the Sport Bike Riders," sponsored by the Christian Motorcycle Association.

An exhibition of paintings by Winston-Salem artist Ricky Needham opened this month at the MESH Gallery in downtown Morganton.

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