Bring Rest

ABOUT ReST

A PERSONAL STORY.
A SHARED MISSION.

Recognize exhaustion for safer travel.
Helping people recognize fatigue and make
safer choices before tragedy occurs.

EDUCATION.

PREVENTION.

HOPE.

REST-Recognize Exhaustion for Safer Travel-helps people understand the dangers of drowsy
driving and make safer choices before tragedy occurs. Founded by Russ Burris, REST combines
personal experience with practical education to help participants recognize the warning signs
of fatigue, understand how exhaustion affects driving, and take action to protect themselves
and others. Through its signature presentation, 90 Seconds, REST brings a personal, memorable
message of education, prevention, and hope to audiences. Presentations are provided at no
cost to Missouri schools through Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) grant funding
and are available to businesses and organizations nationwide.

SPEAKING SINCE 1992

ABOUT RUSS BURRIS

Award-Winning, Nationally Recognized
Drowsy Driving & Injury Prevention Speaker

Founder, REST – Recognize Exhaustion for Safer Travel

On June 3, 1990, Russ Burris fell asleep at the wheel just 90 seconds from home. The resulting crash left him paralyzed from the chest down and changed the course of his life forever. Rather than allowing that moment to define what his life could become, Russ turned his experience into a mission of education, prevention, and hope. Since 1992, he has traveled to hundreds of schools, businesses, organizations, communities, and conferences, sharing his story and life-saving message with thousands of people.

EXPERIENCE & RECOGNITION

Russ has been a guest speaker for organizations including the National Sleep Foundation, National Road Safety Foundation, Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), and ThinkFirst National Injury Prevention Foundation. A longtime ThinkFirst VIP – Voice for Injury Prevention, Russ was honored as the 2019 National VIP of the Year for his work in injury prevention education. His story and advocacy have also received national media attention, including features in The Washington Post, Ladies’ Home Journal, Parade, TODAY, Extra!, the New York Times “Wheels” blog, and The Huffington Post. Russ is also featured in the award-winning drowsy-driving film Almost Home, produced by the National Road Safety Foundation.

THE FOUNDING OF REST

In 2026, Russ founded REST – Recognize Exhaustion for Safer Travel, bringing more than three decades of speaking and injury-prevention experience into a dedicated drowsy-driving and fatigue-awareness program. Through REST, Russ works with schools, businesses, organizations, and communities to help people recognize the warning signs of exhaustion, understand the dangers of driving fatigued, and make safer choices before tragedy occurs. Today, Russ continues to use the consequences of one life-changing decision to deliver a message that is personal, practical, and difficult to forget-because when it comes to drowsy driving, recognizing the danger before getting behind the wheel can make the difference between arriving safely and a life changed forever.

A History Of A SHARED National Advocacy

Same Mission. A Stronger Tomorrow.

2001

National Sleep Awareness Week

Russ burris signs the “Bill of nights” during national sleep awareness week (2001).
Russ burris speaks at a national sleep awareness week panel in Washington, DC (2001).

2002

National Drowsy Driving Summit

Russ burris speaks at the national drowsy driving summit (2002).

MORE ABOUT RUSS

Explore his deeper personal story and keynote
speaking on highway safety, faith and resilience.

Visit RussBurris.com
Explore REST's 90 Seconds presentation

RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS. MAKE THE SAFE CHOICE. ARRIVE ALIVE.

EXPLORE 90 SECONDS
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@RESTFORSAFETY

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