Press Release

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA “The most recent statistics
available show that in 2005 there were 347 alcohol-related traffic
fatalities in Virginia, 46 of these deaths were among youth under 21
(NHTSA 2005). One death is one too many,” said Delegate Toscano.

“In Virginia, 155 youths under age 18 were arrested for driving
under the influence, 1,359 youths were arrested for liquor law
violations, and 204 youths were arrested for drunkenness (UCR 2005),”
said Delegate Bell. “Our goal with these presentations is to raise
awareness about this serious problem, and by doing so, save lives in
Virginia.”

“Among 12-20 year olds, more than 27 percent reported past month
alcohol consumption in Virginia (SAMHSA),” said Senator Hanger. “I am
proud to have Brandon and Tony Silveria with us today to communicate
their life-saving message.”

“The 2006 Monitoring the Future study also showed that slightly more
than seven out of ten students have consumed alcohol at least once by
the end of high school. That means 73% of twelfth graders report they
have tried alcohol,” said Senator Deeds. ““We must do more to keep the
teens of Virginia safe and alcohol-free”

“I’m pleased we were invited to Albemarle High School, Monticello
High School, and Western Albemarle High School this week and I am
hopeful that Brandon and Tony’s words will resonate with the students,”
said Jennifer Curley of The Century Council.

During the presentation, Brandon Silveria told students his
wrenching story of how as a high school student 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. Brandon was so badly injured that basic motor functions
such as walking, talking and swallowing had to be re-learned. He has
permanent brain injury and suffers from dangerous seizures. Brandon’s
presentations continue to receive standing ovations from students
across the country.

“What you become depends on the choices that you make,” said
Brandon. “When I was seventeen, I had a job and a girlfriend. Because
of my crash, I lost both of them. My hope is that by sharing my
experiences with other young people, I can prevent others from being
hurt or killed.”

Through educational efforts such as the Silveria lecture and video
program, The Century Council educates students across the country about
the hazards of underage drinking and driving. Since Brandon and his
father Tony have become spokespeople for The Century Council, they have
addressed well over two million high school students nationwide and
have been featured on such television programs as “Rescue 911,” NBC’s
“Today,” as well as media outlets across the country.

To request a free copy of “Brandon Tells His Story” or for more
information on the Silveria program call (800) 431-4499. The 30-minute
video, which won an award from the American Medical Association, is
accompanied by supporting curriculum materials and can be used with
large or small groups of teens.

Brandon and Tony presented at:

Wednesday, October 10th
*Albemarle High School in Charlottesville, VA with Delegate David Toscano and State Senator Deeds
*Monticello High School in Charlottesville, VA with Delegate Robert Bell and State Senator Creigh Deeds

Thursday, October 11th
*Western Albemarle High School in Crozet, VA with State Senator Hanger

The Century Council is a national, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting
drunk driving and underage drinking. Founded in 1991, The Council is funded by distillers.
For more information on The Council and its mission, please log onto www.centurycouncil.org.