A Manatee County hospital held a safe driving event Saturday, teaching residents about the risks of distracted driving.

Barbara Shulla and her husband Curtis were married 17 loving years. They spent every moment they could side by side.

“Sit in front of the boat dock and watch the boats come in and just really enjoy out time together,” said Shulla.

Unfortunately, their time that was cut short. On December 18th, 2011, Barbra and Curtis’ car was struck by a driver drunk who was also on drugs and going 100 mph.

The driver and Curtis died at the scene. For two weeks Barbra was in critical condition unaware that the love of her life was gone, until she finally awoke.

“They said we were in a serious car accident and unfortunately Curtis didn’t make it through the accident,” she said.

Since that faithful day, Barbara’s wounds have healed. However, nothing can fully cure her heartache.

“It’s hard. I miss him dearly,” she said. “But I know he is in heaven now.”

Stories like Barbara’s are why Blake Medical Center put on their “Wheel-o-Rama,” safety awareness event.

Police officers, fire fighters, nurses and doctors were on site to show visitors just how dangerous distracted driving really can be.

One of the tools that they used was a Rollover Simulator. That demonstrated what can happen to your body when your car rolls over in an accident.

They also had a “Save A Life,” simulator. It looks like a race car video game but has a much more impactful goal. The driver using the simulation experiences what it’s like to drive a car while texting, sleepy or under the influence.

Shari Root brought her 16-year-old son to the event because he just got his license. Shari wanted him to understand exactly why safe driving is so important.

“Wearing the seatbelt all the time. That’s the main thing,” she said.

Cynthia Tanner, a trauma nurse at Blake Medical Center, says the survivors she has cared for had one thing in common, denial.

“Most people think it’s not going to happen to me. That’s someone else. I’m such a great texter I can do it. It will never happen or I’m not drunk, I’m ok. I can make it three blocks home,” Tanner said.

As Barbara was telling people at the event, life and everything you love can be taken away when you are not watching the road.

“Nothing is that important. Your life is more important,” she said.

According to AAA distracted driving contributes to 16% of all fatal crashes, leading to around 5,000 deaths every year.