Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. today announced that Oneida County
will be taking its Teen Traffic Safety Program on the road to local schools this year to
maximize the numbers of young people who are reminded about traffic safety practices
that can help save lives.
“Statistics remind us that no matter what we do to help young drivers develop safe habits
behind the wheel, there are still too many accidents caused by unsafe driving,” Picente
said. “We try to teach the message every year, and we keep coming back at our young
drivers every year, because the message we have given them is one that could help avert
an accident and save a life. We want to send a strong message that reminds young people
that getting behind the wheel is serious business, and that we want them to stay safe.”
Picente said that taking the traffic safety message on the road last year helped Oneida
County’s Department of Traffic Safety, and their governmental and community partners,
reach more than 4,000 young people. The presentation will include a DWI Traffic Safety
simulator that will allow students to see first hand the dangers of driving under the
influence of alcohol. The PEERS simulator is an actual vehicle that will take the students
into a virtual world where they can physically see, feel, and experience the dangers of
drinking and driving. They are not just shown the outward dangers of these factors, but
also the after effect of drinking and driving. Upon the completion of a simulated
“intoxicated” drive, students will be able to view their results on how well or poorly they
drove under the influence. Along with the simulator, the New York State Police will
present their "Roll Over" simulator and "Seat Belt Convincer", contingent upon
availability. Also, included in the program will be a representative from The New York
State Department of Transportation with its "Work Zone" driving safety program, as well
as representatives of Insight House.
Oneida County STOP-DWI Coordinator Michael Colangelo said that getting out to local
schools in the spring is an important part of the STOP-DWI effort. “We have to be
sending the message every day for every driver because no matter how many times
people have seen it and heard it before; there are always times when that message can
influence someone. It’s the time when young people have proms, graduations and other
special events, and we want them to be aware of safety for their own protection.”
The dates and schools are as follows:
Tuesday, April 26: Westmoreland High School
Wednesday, April 27: Clinton High School
Thursday, April 28: VVS High School
Friday, April 29: Oriskany High School
Monday, May 2: Proctor High School
Tuesday, May 3: RFA High School
Wednesday, May 4: Holland Patent High School
Thursday, May 5: Whitesboro High School