NHTSA Event | Guest Bios

Latest Event

National Distracted Driving Awareness Month Kickoff

April 1, 2026

Michael Paris

Chief, Fairfield, Connecticut Police Department

Chief Michael Paris has been with the Fairfield, Connecticut Police Department for nearly 25 years. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to addressing the unsafe behaviors that cause crashes and embracing promising law enforcement practices to prevent the tragic loss of life. Having led specialized traffic enforcement and crash investigation teams, he has seen firsthand the devastation that can occur when drivers are distracted.

Paris also leads the implementation of Automated Enforcement Traffic Safety Devices. By using technology in high-risk locations, he hopes to reduce dangerous driving behaviors through consistent enforcement.

Patty Kruszewski

Impact Speaker

Patty Kruszewski’s life was forever changed on July 29, 2012 when her 24-year-old daughter, Lanie Kruszewski, was biking home from work in Richmond, Virginia and a driver texting and driving struck and killed Laine.  

Despite this devastating loss, Patty transformed her grief into a mission for change by becoming a passionate and active advocate for road safety, working closely with Drive Smart Virginia. Her tireless efforts were recognized when she was named a Traffic Safety Champion by Drive Smart Virginia. In 2013, Patty’s commitment to distracted driving prevention was evident when she was runner-up for the title of Richmond Times-Dispatch Correspondent of the Year, in part because of a letter advocating for distraction-free driving. She is also a dedicated champion for organizations that promote bicycle and pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvements.