RALEIGH, N.C. -- A group paid tribute to the people who died on North Carolina's roads last year by leaving hundreds of empty shoes on the State Capitol.

  • The shoes represented the 1,412 victims of road accidents last year, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.
  • NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey asked state legislature to develop a law to curb distracted driving.
  • NC Vision Zero hopes drivers watch their speed, put their phones down, and buckle up their seat belts.

The shoes represented the 1,412 victims of road accidents last year, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. NC Vision Zero set out the shoes to remind people that driving comes with risks.

"You're looking on the shoes and thinking about the people who are no longer standing in them any more," said Tracy Anderson of NC Vision Zero. "Traveling is the most dangerous thing we do every single day. When you get behind the wheel, ride your bike, or cross the street, it's a very dangerous situation."

Several State Capitol visitors stopped to observe the display, which included facts about how dangerous North Carolina's roads can be. Some of them said they were reminded of their own horror stories on the road.

"I've had numerous, numerous close encounters with cars and scooters now," said Rob Flynn, a cyclist who says he has biked on Raleigh's roads for four years.

"I've had one T-bone collision; a factory worker had gotten off of work and pulled out on the highway right in front of me," said Raleigh resident Ray Aull. "I mean, as a father, seeing this many shoes is terrifying."

NC Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey took the opportunity to ask state legislature to develop a law to curb distracted driving in North Carolina.

"We've had legislation come up from time to time about hands-free driving and it seems like it always gets defeated," said Causey.

NC Vision Zero hopes drivers stay safe by watching their speed, putting their phones down, and buckling up their seat belts at all times.