My heart is heavy as I share the story of my 19-year-old little brother Risten Lee Robinson, who lost his life on September 28th 2024 in a tragic accident involving a drunk driver while he was riding in the bed of a truck. In Arizona, it's currently legal for passengers to ride in truck beds without any safety restraints or protection, a fact that tragically contributed to his untimely death.

There's a dangerous misconception that simply because this practice is legal, it must be safe. This couldn't be further from the truth. Every day, I witness people riding in the beds of pickup trucks across our state, and it's a chilling reminder of the risks they unknowingly take. It turns my stomach to think that someone else's loved one or child could suffer the same devastating fate my brother did.

The laws meant to safeguard public safety fall short when they implicitly endorse such hazardous transportation practices. Statistics reveal that passengers in truck beds are more likely to suffer severe injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, unrestrained passengers in truck beds face a significantly higher risk during collisions.

It's crucial that our legislators in Arizona take immediate action to protect its citizens by amending the current laws. We need a legal framework that prohibits riding in truck beds without appropriate restraints and protection. By doing so, we can prevent senseless tragedies and save lives.

I urge you to consider this petition as a plea to protect our community from avoidable harm. The pain and loss my family have endured is a catalyst for change, and we strive to pass a new law in his honor “The Riggy act” or “Riggy’s law” named in honor of what we all called him since he was a baby but this change requires your support. We need to ensure that no other family has to endure this profound heartbreak.

Please sign this petition to push for a change in the law, providing a safer environment for all Arizona residents. By coming together, we can make a real difference and honor the memory of those we've lost by ensuring a safer future for everyone. Your signature can bring about lifesaving change.