Erie County Legislators Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence), Charles M. Swanick (R- Tonawanda/Grand Island), Jeanne Z. Chase (R- Hamburg/Evans), Barry A. Weinstein (R- Amherst), Steven P. McCarville (R- Orchard Park), Elise M. Cusack (R- 14th District), and Denise E. Marshall (R- Lancaster) were joined by Erie County Sheriff Patrick M. Gallivan to announce a Prom Pledge against Drinking and Driving.

"This Pledge calls upon students to affirm that they will not drink and drive on the night of their Prom," said Legislator Ranzenhofer. "We all want students to enjoy their prom, but our first and most important priority is their safety. I'm thankful to be joined by Sheriff Gallivan, Erie County's biggest advocate against drinking and driving, to announce our Prom Pledge and encourage students to act responsibly and make wise decisions."

"Prom night should be a memorable night for all of the right reasons", said Erie County Sheriff Patrick Gallivan. "Mindless freedom of the moment carries a heavy price tag. Please pledge to be safe".

The Legislators indicated that this pledge encourages students to enjoy their prom without drugs or alcohol, and further aims at reducing the chance of students getting in a vehicle with an intoxicated driver. The Prom Pledge will be distributed to the Principals and Superintendents at every High School and School District in Erie County.

"Recognizing the fact that things sometimes happen that are beyond one's control, parents are asked to sign the pledge to make it clear to their son or daughter that they can be called at any time of the night for a ride home," said Legislator Swanick. "At the end of the day, what's most important is that the students who are out on prom night make it home safely."

According to the Commission Against Drunk Driving, 41 percent of all traffic crashes are alcohol-related. Students of participating schools will be asked to sign the pledge and then take it home so that it can be signed by their parents. By signing, parents agree to pick up their son or daughter, if called, without argument or consequences.

"Even if a student signs our pledge and agrees not to drink and drive, they can't always control the actions of others," said Legislator Chase. "Should the situation arise where a student doesn't have a safe ride home, we're hopeful that this pledge will help them make the right decision and call their parents to be picked up. I'm grateful that Sheriff Gallivan has joined us to announce this great initiative, and I commend him and his Deputies for their dedication to the safety of our community."

"Statistics collected by Mothers Against Drunk Driving indicate that underage drivers are less likely than adults to drive after drinking, yet their crash rates are substantially higher," said Legislator Weinstein. "I encourage students to sign our Prom Pledge and put the safety of themselves and those around them first on prom night."

"Three out of every ten Americans face the possibility of being directly involved in an alcohol-related traffic crash during their lifetime," said Legislator McCarville. "This initiative asks students to make a commitment to not drive after drinking, and to stop anyone who they think might be a danger from doing the same."

"As a mother of two young boys I'm proud to support this program and encourage all students to sign this pledge against Drinking and Driving," said Legislator Cusack. "The best way to prevent DWI-related injuries and fatalities is to never get behind the wheel after drinking. There are always alternatives."

"Someone dies in an alcohol-related traffic crash every 30 minutes," said Legislator Marshall. "This pledge will help to raise awareness among students throughout Erie County about the dangers of drinking and driving. Hopefully making this commitment ahead of time will help students enjoy their prom night worry free."

For more information, please contact the Republican Caucus of the Erie County Legislature at 858-8122.