Light The Way Fund Founder Makes First School Stop on Mission to Increase Safety

Light the Way Fund MASHPEE – After a tragic accident earlier this year, Dino Mitrokostas’s life was altered dramatically.

His car struck Barnstable native, 13-year-old Jeremiah Smith, who was wearing dark clothing and died after the accident.

Although Mitrokostas was not ruled at fault, he said he felt there was a need for safety improvements around Cape Cod.

He took the first step Monday in a Cape-wide mission to provide each of the region’s students in grades 3 through 8 with a reflective backpack, vest, L-E-D lights and other attention-grabbing items.

Around 800 Mashpee Middle School students watched as Mitrokostas recounted his experience. Each one of them received the safety kit he demonstrated on his own son, to great applause from the young audience.

“People are more distracted driving now, thank God I wasn’t that night, it was just a terrible accident, but at least if you’re wearing a flashing light, a driver’s brain can subconsciously pick up on that,” he said.

When he came to Mashpee in 1990, there were no traffic lights, Mitrokostas, owner of Dino’s Sports Bar, said.

He said the towns tried to save money by cutting back on streetlights.

“The Cape is known for being dark anyways,” he said.

The next school system Mitrokostas said he will speak at and give LED kits to will be the same one Jeremiah Smith was a part of: Barnstable Public Schools.

To make a donation to Light The Way Fund, visit www.dinoscharityfund.org.

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