MODESTO, CA —  Senator Dave Cogdill, Assemblyman Tom Berryhill and The Century Council partnered today to bring a life-saving lesson about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking to students of the Beyer High School. In advance of Prom and Graduation season, Brandon Silveria and his father Tony spoke to students about the importance of “making the right choice” about alcohol – and if students are under the age of 21, that the only responsible decision is not to drink. Brandon is a young man who was involved in an alcohol-related crash at age 17 just before his high school prom. The Century Council is a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking.

“The latest statistics available show that in 2005 there were 1,719 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in California, and 268 of these deaths were among youth under 21 (NHTSA 2005). One death is one too many,” said Senator Cogdill. “We must do more to keep the teens of California safe and alcohol-free. I am proud to have Brandon and Tony Silveria with us today to communicate their life-saving message.”

“Prom and Graduation Season is a time of great celebration for high school students. Sadly, alcohol is sometimes part of that celebration.” said Assemblyman Berryhill. “It is important that we continue in our efforts to stop drunk driving and underage drinking, especially during this celebratory time. I’m pleased Brandon and Tony spoke at Beyer High School today, and I am hopeful that Brandon and Tony’s words will resonate with the students.”

“In California in 2005, 1,447 youths under age 18 were arrested for driving under the influence, 4,357 youths were arrested for liquor law violations and 3,566 youths were arrested for drunkenness (UCR 2005),” said Dana Fudurich of The Century Council. “Our goal with this presentation is to raise awareness about this serious problem, and by doing so, save lives in California.”

During the presentation, Brandon Silveria told students his wrenching story of how as a high school student he had everything a teenager could want—a job, a girlfriend and plans for the future—until he had a few drinks at a party and chose to drive home. After falling asleep at the wheel, crossing the centerline and crashing into a tree, he was left in a coma for three months and spent several years in rehabilitation. Brandon was so badly injured that basic motor functions such as walking, talking and swallowing had to be re-learned. He has permanent brain injury and suffers from dangerous seizures. Brandon’s presentations continue to receive standing ovations from students across the country.

“What you become depends on the choices that you make,” said Brandon. “When I was seventeen, I had a job and a girlfriend. Because of my crash, I lost both of them. My hope is that by sharing my experiences with other young people, I can prevent others from being hurt or killed.”

Through educational efforts such as the Silveria lecture and video program, The Century Council educates students across the country about the hazards of underage drinking and driving. Since Brandon and his father Tony have become spokespeople for The Century Council, they have addressed well over two million high school students nationwide and have been featured on such television programs as “Rescue 911,” NBC’s “Today,” as well as media outlets across the country.

To request a free copy of “Brandon Tells His Story” or for more information on the Silveria program call (800) 431-4499. The 30-minute video, which won an award from the American Medical Association, is accompanied by supporting curriculum materials and can be used with large or small groups of teens.