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