CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. - When it comes to the Fourth of July, many people think of celebrating America. However, Minister Tracy Whitlock is using the day to stress the importance of not texting while driving.
"We just wanted to come together and just really really push that issue," said Whitlock.
Whitlock and others hosted a neighborhood block party in North Chesterfield Saturday as the topic of texting and driving hits especially close to home.
He said he was hit by someone who was texting behind the wheel.
"Back in 2006, I was involved in a fatal car crash, the only survivor which I suffered a broken neck, two plates, and 13 screws in my neck," he said.
His niece, Tourre Thaniel was also killed in 2012. He said sadly, she had been texting.
"It still cuts like a knife," he said.
The Saturday block party drew people of all ages to come together to spread the word on texting.
And at the end of the day, Minister Whitlock has an important message for anyone watching.
"One little text can really kill lives," he said.