Grand Island, NY — The Erie County Sheriff’s Office and The Century Council, a national not-for-profit organization funded by distillers dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking, partnered today to bring a life-saving lesson about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking to students of Grand Island Senior High School. In advance of Prom and Graduation season, Brandon Silveria, a young man who was involved in an alcohol-related crash at age 17 just before his high school prom, 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 — the only responsible decision is not to drink.
“Prom and Graduation Season is a time of great celebration for high
school students. Sadly, alcohol is sometimes part of that celebration.
In 2004, 713 youths under the age of 21 died in alcohol-related traffic
fatalities during the Prom and Graduation Season. One death is one too
many,” said Sheriff Timothy B. Howard, Erie County Sheriff's Office.
“The good news is over the past ten years efforts to stop underage
drinking and drunk driving, especially during this celebratory time,
have resulted in a 15% reduction in the number of alcohol-related
traffic fatalities among our youth during the Prom and Graduation
Season. Brandon Silveria is living proof that one bad decision can
change your life forever. I am hopeful their words will resonate as
students make plans for prom and graduation night.”
“Last year in New York, 298 youths under the age of 18 were arrested
for driving under the influence and 1,134 were arrested for liquor law
violations (UCR 2004),” added Pam Beer of The Century Council. “I’m
pleased we were invited to give these presentations today. During our
visit, we hope to raise awareness about this serious problem, and by
doing so, save lives in New York.”
During his presentation, Brandon Silveria told students his wrenching
story of how as a high school student he had everything a teenager
could want — a job, 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.
Silveria 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
Silveria. “When I was seventeen, I had a job, a car and a girlfriend. I
had the world at my fingertips, and that all changed because of a
stupid choice I made. 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 one million high school students nationwide and
have been featured on such television programs as “Rescue 911,” NBC’s
“Today,” and “Leeza.”
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.
Brandon and Tony Silveria will also appear at the following high schools throughout the week:
May 17, 2006 — Alden High School, - 9:30 a.m. with Assemblyman Cole
May 17, 2006 — Grand Island High School, — 1:00 p.m. with Erie County Sheriff’s Office
May 18, 2006 — Bishop Timon/ St. Jude High School & Mount Academy — 9:30 a.m.
May 18, 2006 — Lake Shore High School, - 12:30 p.m. with Assemblyman Quinn
May 19, 2006 — Naples High School, - 9:00 a.m. with Assemblyman Errigo
May 19, 2006 — Batavia High School, - 2:00 p.m. with Assemblyman Hawley
