I am an American
We are One Nation
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. In this installment, read about Ashlee Bruggenschmidt, who used personal loss to inspire change for minors riding ATVs.
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
When Kate Bruggenschmidt went to hang out with friends between softball games, her mother’s primary concern was that her daughter didn’t go swimming, fearing she’d wear herself out.
What Ashlee Bruggenschmidt never considered was that Kate might hop onto an ATV.
The 750-pound ATV Kate and her friend were riding rolled over, crushing Kate and killing her instantly. She was 11.
For a year, Ashlee, the principal at Sharon Elementary School in Newburgh, Ind., didn’t talk about the crash. But one day a thought occurred to her. “I can’t believe there’s not a helmet law in Indiana.” And the Play for Kate Foundation was formed. The foundation built a playground in Kate’s memory in Boonville, Ind., but the important work was just beginning.
Ashlee Bruggenschmidt testifed before the Indiana House and Senate, alongside doctors, Kate’s friends and advocates from public interest groups.
“As educators, it’s our jobs to keep kids safe,” Ashlee told colleagues.
It wasn’t easy, but on July 1, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed HEA 1200 into law. It dictates that all ATV riders younger than 18 must wear a helmet, both on public and private land.
“HEA 1200 isn’t going to change Kate’s outcome, but it is going to change outcomes for other kids in the state of Indiana,” Ashlee said about the bill. Still, Ashlee’s work continues. Working with a company in North Carolina, Ashlee developed “Safety Sam,” a robot that can travel to schools and teach kids about ATV safety. Sam rides an ATV and is operated remotely by an Indiana conservation officer who can interact with kids via headset.
The Play for Kate Foundation has secured funding for four Safety Sams, with orders for more from three states and Puerto Rico.
In August, Ashlee spoke with leaders in Washington, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, about a national ATV helmet law. Ashlee’s goal? “Zero preventable deaths from ATV accidents.” For Kate.