can drive a lesson home. That’s the idea behind a campaign that’s sending a young man across the country to talk to students about drunk driving. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005, 16,885 people were killed in alcohol- related crashes—an average of one almost every half hour. A disproportionately high number of victims killed each year are teens. Brandon Silveria was almost one of them. When he was 17, he endured a three-week coma after being involved in a drunk-driving accident. Since his rehabilitation, Silveria has devoted himself to speaking at high schools about his experience and encouraging peo- ple underthe legal drinking age to make the right decisions about alcohol. Although his speech has been permanently impaired, Sil- veria’s presentation delivers a resounding message on the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving. He tells his story under the auspices of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. Silveria’s mission is supported by Diageo, the world’s leading spirits, wine and beer company. Silveria and his father, Tony, tour America’s high schools to edu- cate students—over 2 million to date—about the dangers and con- sequences of underage drinking. Three video messages focusing on back to school, spring break and prom/graduation are available to keep his story alive throughout the High school students are getting a firsthand account on the dan- gers of drunk driving. school year. The videos have won the education field’s prestigious Chris award and a FREDDIEfirstplace in the American Medical Association’s International Health & Medical Film Competition. “Brandon has a very powerful story to share with young people. Our hope is that his story will help save lives,” said Guy Smith, Diageo executive vice president. “We do not want the business of anyone underthe legal drinking age. Period.” Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Cen- tury Council, an organization funded by the country’s leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking. These pro- grams include Ask, Listen, Learn; Cops in Shops; Alcohol 101 Plus; The Blood Alcohol Educator; Ready or Not; and the Prom/Graduation preparation kit. For more information, visit www.centurycouncil.org/under age/brandon.html.
