One Utah woman’s creative solution to distracted driving

Nov 27, 2024, 3:00 PM

(Tori Merrill)

Reporter

PLESANT GROVE, Utah — A Pleasant Grove woman has a creative solution for distracted driving. She is making drawstring bags to store phones and other devices.

Tori Merrill said that she and her son came up with the design for the phone-sized ‘focus bags’ about five years ago. She has since handmade about 4,000 bags and teamed up with Utah’s Zero Fatalities program to distribute them.

“I have teenage drivers and so its important to me that they’re safe and that they’re being safe,” said Merrill. “It’s just something in my gut that says I need to keep doing this.”

According to the state of Utah, each year between 2017 and 2021, an average of 15 deaths were caused by distracted driving. Merrill hopes that her bags save lives.

“[Losing someone] would be devastating. I can’t even imagine losing a loved one,” said Merrill.

If you would like a focus bag, you can contact Merrill at focusbagcampaign@gmail.com or through a direct message to the Focus Bags Facebook account. She does not charge for the bags. However, she would appreciate it if those who want them shipped cover the cost.

Alternatively, they can be picked up for free in Pleasant Grove.

Merrill said those who are looking to help can donate fabric or money. Additionally, Merrill said she is looking for a sponsor to help her spread the word. She is willing to trade any number of bags for advertising help.

Adam Small is a reporter for KSL NewsRadio. He primarily reports on the Great Salt Lake and Natural Resources. Follow him on Facebook and X.

Related:Law enforcement agencies cracking down on distracted driving

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