Washington, DC — Today Attorney General Robert J. Spagnoletti brought a life-saving lesson about the dangers of drunk driving and underage drinking to students at Duke Ellington School of the Arts. “One death is too many,” said Mr. Spagnoletti. “We must do more to keep teenagers in the District of Columbia safe and alcohol-free.”
Attorney General Spagnoletti was joined by Brandon Silveria and his father Tony who spoke to students about the importance of “making the right choice” about alcohol – and if students are under the age of 21, that the only responsible decision is not to drink. “I am so proud to have Brandon and Tony Silveria with us today to offer their life-saving message to young drivers in the District of Columbia” said Mr. Spagnoletti.
Brandon was involved in an alcohol-related crash at age 17. Brandon told students at Duke Ellington about how his mistake of drinking and driving left him with permanent brain damage. Brandon said 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.
He now travels the country, working with Attorneys General nationwide to get the word out about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“Brandon’s ability to tell his story with such courage is a testament to his dedication to preventing more deaths among young people,” said Mr. Spagnoletti. “Hopefully with our message at Duke Ellington High School today, we helped to save another life.”
The Century Council is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. For more information on The Council and its mission, please view the Century Council website.