Just 90 seconds from home, Russ Burris fell asleep at the wheel a decision that changed his life forever. Now, as a national award-winning speaker and safety advocate, he’s turning his personal tragedy into a mission to educate, inspire, and prevent.
Book Russ to Speak
On June 3, 1990, Russ Burris was just minutes from home when he dozed off while driving. That moment changed everything. Paralyzed from mid-chest down, Russ refused to let tragedy define him. He transformed his pain into purpose, becoming one of the nation’s most impactful safety speakers. His mission? Save others from making the same mistake.
Speaking with ThinkFirst (brain & spinal cord injury prevention) since Oct 1992
Whether you’re a school, organization, or corporate group, Russ delivers a message that saves lives one story at a time.
When Russ speaks, people listen not because of slides or stats, but because of raw honesty. His impact has earned national recognition, including the VIP Speaker of the Year award. From classrooms to conferences, Russ inspires positive change wherever he goes.
AAA and NHTSA estimates 328,000 crashes, 109,000 injuries, 6,400 deaths, and $109 billion in monetary losses are the direct result of drowsy driving each year.
The National Sleep Foundation found that:
Greater than 50% of drowsy driving crashes involve drivers under the age of 25
Lack of sleep mimics alcohol intoxication:
Effects of sleepiness:
Executive Director of ThinkFirst National
“Russ has been an amazing partner for many years.His openness and ability to connect with people of all ages is truly a gift.”
Injury Prevention Coordinator, Trauma Services, CoxHealth
“I have had the pleasure of partnering on many high school presentations with Russ addressing important topics around safe driving and risky driving behaviors. Russ shares a strong testimony and has a way of connecting and engaging students that is very unique and always brings value and impact to our presentations together. I am always happy to invite Russ to join our programs, he brings a lot of value and impact to the programs we host.”
Teacher Jefferson City High School
“We have really enjoyed having Russ come speak to our Drivers Ed classes over the years! His story is very eye opening for the students and they really get a wake-up call about taking driving seriously!”
PhD, Retired MU Faculty, Former ThinkFirst Missouri Director
“When Russ speaks his passion is obvious, people in the audience can feel it. It’s pure and his message never seems practiced or rehearsed because it comes from the heart.”
