For Release: Oct. 3, 2006
Contact: J. Tucker Martin or David Clementson
Email: jtmartin@oag.state.va.us or dclementson@oag.state.va.us
Phone: 804-786-2071
McDonnell Joins National Advocate Brandon Silveria for School Presentation on Dangers of Drunk-Driving/Underage-Drinking
Unveils Statewide Public Service Announcement
HENRICO - Attorney General Bob McDonnell today joined national anti-drunk driving/anti-underage drinking advocate Brandon Silveria for a powerful presentation at The Steward School, a school in suburban Richmond. The two spoke to several hundred students from The Steward School and Saint Gertrude High School on the importance of not drinking underage, and never drinking and driving. That message was especially relevant coming from Brandon Silveria, as he barely survived a drunk-driving accident when he was in high school.
Today’s event was sponsored by The Century Council. The Century Council is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Also attending today’s event were the area’s two representatives in the General Assembly, Delegate Jack Reid and Senator Walter Stosch.
Speaking about the event Attorney General McDonnell remarked, “I am the father of 5. I have 3 children who have come through high school already, and 2 who are just beginning their high school years. So I understand this issue on a very personal level, as every parent does. It is every parent’s nightmare to get a phone call that their child has been involved in a car accident, and I sincerely hope that events like today’s will help students to understand how very dangerous underage drinking, and drinking and driving, are. Realistic and effective education is the key to stopping the loss of innocent lives from such a preventable tragedy.”
Brandon Silveria and his father, Tony, have addressed well over two million high school students nationwide and have been featured on such television programs as “Rescue 911,” NBC’s “Today,” and “Leeza.” During today’s 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.
“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.”
In addition to today’s presentation, Attorney General McDonnell also announced that he and Brandon have taped a public service announcement (PSA) for television and it will begin airing statewide today. The PSA will be aired in the Northern Virginia/DC, Bristol, Charlottesville/ Harrisonburg, Norfolk/Hampton Roads/ Virginia Beach, Lynchburg, Richmond and Roanoke media markets.
Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of the Century Council, summed up today’s event by noting, “In Virginia, 214 youths under age 18 were arrested for driving under the influence, 1,340 youths were arrested for liquor law violations, and 228 youths were arrested for drunkenness (UCR 2004).” He continued, “Our goal with this presentation is to raise awareness about this serious problem, and by doing so, save lives in Virginia. I’m pleased we were invited to The Steward School today, and I am hopeful that Brandon and Attorney General McDonnell’s words will resonate with the students.”
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.
