According to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report, an average of 19 school-age children lose their lives in traffic crashes related to school transportation annually. Here are a few tips to stay safe as school goes back in session.
Red Means Stop...Really. When you see the red flashing lights on a school bus, don't be tempted to sneak past. Stop and stay stopped until the lights no longer flash or until otherwise signaled by the school bus driver.
Slow Down Near Schools. Remember to slow down in accordance with the reduced speed limits in school zones. Watch for designated crosswalks and children who may not be paying attention.
Stay Back, Don't Pass. It is illegal to pass on the right side of a bus. With many different stops on a bus route, remember to be alert when children are loading and unloading the bus.
Stay Alert. Children are unpredictable. Near a bus or in a school zone, you never know when they'll run into the street unaware of drivers.
Drive Safely!
Until next time...Deanna
Monday, September 5, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Tourney Wrap Up & Corasanti Case
This blog post is going to cover two topics...an thank you and an update on a high profile DWI case.
First, I'd like to say thank you to all the teams, spectators, and volunteers who helped make the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser a success last weekend! We raised over $3900 to fight impaired driving in Western New York. We were featured by three media outlets (The Buffalo News, WIVB, and WGRZ) and there were numerous great photos taken by Jeff Noto. To check out the stories and photos, head to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crusade-Against-Impaired-Driving/186503824720758.
As an advocate who fights DWI in the community, I have been watching one recent case very closely. Just last month, a skateboarder was killed when she was struck by a well-known Getzville physician in a hit and run crash. As he awaits his hearing in front of a grand jury, Dr. James Corasanti is now the target of a lawsuit by the teen's family. Here's a link to The Buffalo News' article: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/police-courts/courts/article525245.ece
I wish Schueler and her family the best of luck and hope that justice is served in this case both in the civil and criminal case. Just because he is a doctor, doesn't mean he should be exempt from paying the consequences for his actions.
Until next time...
Deanna
First, I'd like to say thank you to all the teams, spectators, and volunteers who helped make the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser a success last weekend! We raised over $3900 to fight impaired driving in Western New York. We were featured by three media outlets (The Buffalo News, WIVB, and WGRZ) and there were numerous great photos taken by Jeff Noto. To check out the stories and photos, head to our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crusade-Against-Impaired-Driving/186503824720758.
As an advocate who fights DWI in the community, I have been watching one recent case very closely. Just last month, a skateboarder was killed when she was struck by a well-known Getzville physician in a hit and run crash. As he awaits his hearing in front of a grand jury, Dr. James Corasanti is now the target of a lawsuit by the teen's family. Here's a link to The Buffalo News' article: http://www.buffalonews.com/city/police-courts/courts/article525245.ece
I wish Schueler and her family the best of luck and hope that justice is served in this case both in the civil and criminal case. Just because he is a doctor, doesn't mean he should be exempt from paying the consequences for his actions.
Until next time...
Deanna
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
With just days to go...it's the climb!
The 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser is coming up on Saturday. For me that means tying up a lot of loose ends, running around town doing publicity, picking up donations, making sure everything is ready to go, etc. etc. etc. I've dealt with some frustrating moments over the past few days, to say the least.
I believe that my sister speaks to me through music. It may seem weird or "hoaky", but I believe that's how she talks to me. So when I heard this song about a half hour ago, I thought "OK, I can do this. Don't sweat the small stuff, just enjoy what you're doing."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs
So you can count on this, regardless of what obstacles I face - I'm going to enjoy the climb!
Until next time...
Deanna
I believe that my sister speaks to me through music. It may seem weird or "hoaky", but I believe that's how she talks to me. So when I heard this song about a half hour ago, I thought "OK, I can do this. Don't sweat the small stuff, just enjoy what you're doing."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs
So you can count on this, regardless of what obstacles I face - I'm going to enjoy the climb!
Until next time...
Deanna
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Remembering Alix and Hoping To Find Answers
I didn't know Alexandria or "Alix" as her friends called her, but a tear welled up in my eye when I first heard about her tragic death this weekend.
Alix was the same age as my sister who was killed 13 years ago, also by a drunk driver. The difference in this case - the doctor who allegedly killed her while drinking and driving fled the scene. In my sister's case the drunk driver was arrested at the crash scene.
Authorities are now focusing on the hour and a half between the accident and when they arrested Dr. James Corasanti, who was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Investigators say the accident occurred Friday night, shortly before 11:30, and are trying to discover Dr. Corasanti's whereabouts until he turned himself in to police at almost one o'clock Saturday morning at a Noco station on Millersport Road. Corasanti is charged under what is known as the "Hit, Run, and Hide" law passed three years ago.
As a DWI victim and an advocate who fights this horrible crime, I hope the authorities can find answers and make the appropriate punishment.
I pray for Alix's family and friends at this very difficult time.
Until next time...
Deanna
Alix was the same age as my sister who was killed 13 years ago, also by a drunk driver. The difference in this case - the doctor who allegedly killed her while drinking and driving fled the scene. In my sister's case the drunk driver was arrested at the crash scene.
Authorities are now focusing on the hour and a half between the accident and when they arrested Dr. James Corasanti, who was charged with DWI and leaving the scene of a fatal accident.
Investigators say the accident occurred Friday night, shortly before 11:30, and are trying to discover Dr. Corasanti's whereabouts until he turned himself in to police at almost one o'clock Saturday morning at a Noco station on Millersport Road. Corasanti is charged under what is known as the "Hit, Run, and Hide" law passed three years ago.
As a DWI victim and an advocate who fights this horrible crime, I hope the authorities can find answers and make the appropriate punishment.
I pray for Alix's family and friends at this very difficult time.
Until next time...
Deanna
Friday, June 24, 2011
This Is Why I Fight
Tonight I had the honor of attending the MADD of Erie County Candlelight Vigil at Chestnut Ridge in Orchard Park. I knew walking in that I would hear stories that would make me tear up.
Not only were there tears shed, but it was eye-opening as well. I say that because hearing all the stories - like the woman who lost her husband of 29 years to a drunk driver, the young woman who was on the back of a motorcycle and survived a collision with a drunk driver, and another mother who's son and daughter-in-law were awoken in the middle of the night when an impaired driver crashed into fence after fence then crashed into their home. Following the vigil, I spoke to a woman who was seriously injured back in 1977 when a drunk driver slammed into the car she was riding in with her mother. Her mother was killed, and because of the significant brain injury she suffered she can't remember her mother or anything before the crash. Another young woman told me about all the injuries she continues to deal with when her "designated driver" who was drunk crashed into a car while driving the wrong way on the 198.
These are the stories of victims and survivors. Those people who have to wake up each day in a new reality. A new reality that shouldn't happen. A new reality that all could have been prevented. Drinking and driving is a choice. Those crashes aren't accidents, they are crashes.
When I started Crusade Against Impaired Driving, my sister became my driving force, my guardian angel. Tonight, seeing the tears and hugging these people made me realize that I have a lot of people to fight for.
I am on a Crusade Against Impaired Driving, and I fight for all victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving.
Until next time...
Deanna
Not only were there tears shed, but it was eye-opening as well. I say that because hearing all the stories - like the woman who lost her husband of 29 years to a drunk driver, the young woman who was on the back of a motorcycle and survived a collision with a drunk driver, and another mother who's son and daughter-in-law were awoken in the middle of the night when an impaired driver crashed into fence after fence then crashed into their home. Following the vigil, I spoke to a woman who was seriously injured back in 1977 when a drunk driver slammed into the car she was riding in with her mother. Her mother was killed, and because of the significant brain injury she suffered she can't remember her mother or anything before the crash. Another young woman told me about all the injuries she continues to deal with when her "designated driver" who was drunk crashed into a car while driving the wrong way on the 198.
These are the stories of victims and survivors. Those people who have to wake up each day in a new reality. A new reality that shouldn't happen. A new reality that all could have been prevented. Drinking and driving is a choice. Those crashes aren't accidents, they are crashes.
When I started Crusade Against Impaired Driving, my sister became my driving force, my guardian angel. Tonight, seeing the tears and hugging these people made me realize that I have a lot of people to fight for.
I am on a Crusade Against Impaired Driving, and I fight for all victims and survivors of drunk and drugged driving.
Until next time...
Deanna
Friday, May 20, 2011
Prom Season: Time To Make The Right Choices
It's prom season, that means for many teens in Western New York and beyond, it's time to dress up, get manis and pedis, and have a fabulous time at the prom.
As I heard one teacher say today, "Make it a night to remember, not be remembered."
That's why I talk at so many high schools this time of year. I remind teens that they're not invincible, and drinking and driving is not the responsible choice.
This year, I spoke at Mount Mercy Academy, Alden High School, Maple Grove High School, and South Park High School. Overall, I'd have to say that the students and staffers were receptive to the message.
New this year, all the teens who heard CAID's message received bright blue wristbands with the CAID name logo, and the message - "Choose responsibly, don't drink and drive".
Here's hoping that the students remember the message on prom night, graduation night, and for years to come.
Here are a few photos taken at South Park earlier today.
Until next time...
Deanna
As I heard one teacher say today, "Make it a night to remember, not be remembered."
That's why I talk at so many high schools this time of year. I remind teens that they're not invincible, and drinking and driving is not the responsible choice.
This year, I spoke at Mount Mercy Academy, Alden High School, Maple Grove High School, and South Park High School. Overall, I'd have to say that the students and staffers were receptive to the message.
New this year, all the teens who heard CAID's message received bright blue wristbands with the CAID name logo, and the message - "Choose responsibly, don't drink and drive".
Here's hoping that the students remember the message on prom night, graduation night, and for years to come.
Here are a few photos taken at South Park earlier today.
Until next time...
Deanna
Monday, May 9, 2011
Getting Ready To Play Ball!
Preparations are underway for CAID's largest and most popular event of the year. It's the 4th Annual Crusade Against Impaired Driving Softball Tournament and Fundraiser. The place to be once again is Sunshine Park on East and West Road in West Seneca on Saturday, August 13 from 9-?.
We have several teams returning from last year, quite a few new teams who are planning to take part, and only 14 spots to fill. All the information you need to get your team registered is on the softball page.
We also have donation forms if you know someone who'd be interested in donating to our very large basket raffle. Music to jam and dance to will once again be provided by TomTom Productions.
We have lots of new stuff planned for this year - like special guest appearances, but we're still working out all the details....so stay tuned for more info!
Thanks for your continued support of CAID!!!
Deanna
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Teaming Up With The Bisons This Summer!
We are so proud to announce a special night...mark it on your calendars!
CAID is sponsoring the July 25th game as the Bisons take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at Coca-Cola Field.
We're going to be encouraging spectators to come see us at the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser.
Half of the proceeds from special ticket sales from this Bisons game go to CAID. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to CAID's Evens Page:
http://www.karenscrusade.org/events.asp
Thanks again for your support!
Deanna
CAID is sponsoring the July 25th game as the Bisons take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at Coca-Cola Field.
We're going to be encouraging spectators to come see us at the 4th Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser.
Half of the proceeds from special ticket sales from this Bisons game go to CAID. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to CAID's Evens Page:
http://www.karenscrusade.org/events.asp
Thanks again for your support!
Deanna
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Breathalyzers in Cars
When Karen was killed 13 years ago, DWI was treated much differently in Erie County than it is today. Back then, there was no device that would prevent you from starting your vehicle if you had too much to drink. But now, if you're convicted of driving under the influence - both first-time and multiple offenders - you may need to install a breathalyzer in your vehicle.
Last month while speaking at a DWI Victim Impact Panel, I met a young man who was convicted of his first DWI and he showed me the device. Needless to say, it's another deterrent for him and anyone else facing a DWI conviction, to never drink and drive again.
CAID salutes the people at the STOP DWI office for helping to implement the vehicle breathalyzer policy in Erie County.
Just the other day I was speaking to a couple of Erie County Probation Officers and they agreed that "times are changing" when it comes to the penalties facing DWI offenders. Erie County now has a felony DWI unit that checks on offenders at all times of the day via home visits. More officers are being dedicated to watch over DWI offenders.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Unfortunately there's one obstacle that remains the same over the years though, "It all depends on the judges." There are still those town judges who seem to think that DWI is not a serious crime. We can only hope that more of these men and women will realize that "DWI is dangerous and deadly" and these vehicle breathalyzers do save lives.
Now some are pushing for alcohol detection devices in all cars. Just last month, this article was published in USA Today. What do I think? It probably won't happen anytime soon, but as someone who lost her little sister to a drunk driver, it can only help keep our roads safe.
Until next time...
Deanna
Last month while speaking at a DWI Victim Impact Panel, I met a young man who was convicted of his first DWI and he showed me the device. Needless to say, it's another deterrent for him and anyone else facing a DWI conviction, to never drink and drive again.
CAID salutes the people at the STOP DWI office for helping to implement the vehicle breathalyzer policy in Erie County.
Just the other day I was speaking to a couple of Erie County Probation Officers and they agreed that "times are changing" when it comes to the penalties facing DWI offenders. Erie County now has a felony DWI unit that checks on offenders at all times of the day via home visits. More officers are being dedicated to watch over DWI offenders.http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Unfortunately there's one obstacle that remains the same over the years though, "It all depends on the judges." There are still those town judges who seem to think that DWI is not a serious crime. We can only hope that more of these men and women will realize that "DWI is dangerous and deadly" and these vehicle breathalyzers do save lives.
Now some are pushing for alcohol detection devices in all cars. Just last month, this article was published in USA Today. What do I think? It probably won't happen anytime soon, but as someone who lost her little sister to a drunk driver, it can only help keep our roads safe.
Until next time...
Deanna
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Happy Birthday
Dear Karen,
Today you would be 32 years old. I can't help but wonder what you'd be doing...perhaps a successful sports trainer, a mom, or a proud aunt who would absolutely love her niece. Alyssa has your blue eyes and we often show her your picture. She'll never know you, but she'll hear a lot of stories about you.
I love you and not a second goes by when I don't think of you. With you in mind, I continue to fight drunk driving, hoping other innocent lives aren't lost to DWI.
This is a song that brings tears to my eyes...wondering who you'd be today.
Happy Birthday, I love you.
Deanna
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Stay Safe This St. Paddy's Day
Needless to say it's one of the biggest drinking nights in Western New York. It's St. Patrick's Day - so we'd like to wish everyone a happy and SAFE holiday.
This blog says it best: Grandma's Guide to Life
Don't count on the luck of the Irish this holiday, please make the right choice and don't drink and drive.
Deanna
Friday, March 4, 2011
A First in Erie County as Officer Fights For His Life
The man who killed his passenger and left a Buffalo Police Officer fighting for his life may be the first Erie County resident to be prosecuted on a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide.
Anthony Thompson is only 22 years old (a year over the legal age limit for legally drinking), and if he's convicted he could be serving 25 years in prison. Kudos to prosecutors who are making sure that Thompson is punished for what he did.
Watching the video of the crash (caught on surveillance tape used in this WGRZ report last weekend) causes the average person to gasp.
One of Thompson's passengers, Honey Ransom died of her injuries following that crash. The off-duty Buffalo Police Officer - Gary Sengbusch is hospitalized in critical condition at ECMC.
It's heartbreaking to hear the daily reports of drunk drivers maiming and killing innocent people. It's even more tragic when law enforcement officers are the ones who become their victims. After all, these men and women work hard to keep drunk drivers off of our roads.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sengbusch and Ransom families and the Erie County District Attorney and his staff who are making sure justice is served.
Until next time...
Deanna
Anthony Thompson is only 22 years old (a year over the legal age limit for legally drinking), and if he's convicted he could be serving 25 years in prison. Kudos to prosecutors who are making sure that Thompson is punished for what he did.
Watching the video of the crash (caught on surveillance tape used in this WGRZ report last weekend) causes the average person to gasp.
One of Thompson's passengers, Honey Ransom died of her injuries following that crash. The off-duty Buffalo Police Officer - Gary Sengbusch is hospitalized in critical condition at ECMC.
It's heartbreaking to hear the daily reports of drunk drivers maiming and killing innocent people. It's even more tragic when law enforcement officers are the ones who become their victims. After all, these men and women work hard to keep drunk drivers off of our roads.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sengbusch and Ransom families and the Erie County District Attorney and his staff who are making sure justice is served.
Until next time...
Deanna
Sunday, February 20, 2011
"Accident on Seneca Street" Flashbacks
"Accident on Seneca Street..."
When I first saw the report on the news all I could think of is, that's right where Karen's accident was. Just a few days ago, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver...within feet of where my sister was killed.
Here's a link to the News' story regarding this latest incident. The 69 year old woman is in the hospital, and the woman who struck her hasn't yet been charged. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the driver who struck this woman on Seneca near Duerstein is the mother of a Town of Tonawanda police officer and sister of the retired Town of Tonawanda Police Chief. I trust that her relations with the cops will have no bearing on the outcome of this case. Too many times "who you know" plays a larger role in the prosecution rather than "what you did".
The article says police are trying to figure out if the driver knew she hit the woman...how could she have not known? The impact sent her flying into the air!
Now at the end of the article, they mention that the victim served prison time for her role in a crash. As far as I'm concerned (as a victim and a fighter against DWI) that should have no bearing on this incident. She's a victim who shouldn't have been jaywalking, but the driver was ultimately at fault.
Now getting back to the flashback...Nearly 13 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Within feet of this most recent accident, my sister was riding with her friend when they were struck head on by a drunk driver. To this day, it's very difficult for me and my family to drive down Seneca Street. We often say a prayer as we drive down that stretch where my sister died.
13 years later I haven't forgotten and that's why I continue to fight and speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no other family has to go through the pain that my family endures every day.
Until next time...
Deanna
When I first saw the report on the news all I could think of is, that's right where Karen's accident was. Just a few days ago, a pedestrian was struck by a hit and run driver...within feet of where my sister was killed.
Here's a link to the News' story regarding this latest incident. The 69 year old woman is in the hospital, and the woman who struck her hasn't yet been charged. Perhaps it's just a coincidence that the driver who struck this woman on Seneca near Duerstein is the mother of a Town of Tonawanda police officer and sister of the retired Town of Tonawanda Police Chief. I trust that her relations with the cops will have no bearing on the outcome of this case. Too many times "who you know" plays a larger role in the prosecution rather than "what you did".
The article says police are trying to figure out if the driver knew she hit the woman...how could she have not known? The impact sent her flying into the air!
Now at the end of the article, they mention that the victim served prison time for her role in a crash. As far as I'm concerned (as a victim and a fighter against DWI) that should have no bearing on this incident. She's a victim who shouldn't have been jaywalking, but the driver was ultimately at fault.
Now getting back to the flashback...Nearly 13 years later, I remember it like it was yesterday. Within feet of this most recent accident, my sister was riding with her friend when they were struck head on by a drunk driver. To this day, it's very difficult for me and my family to drive down Seneca Street. We often say a prayer as we drive down that stretch where my sister died.
13 years later I haven't forgotten and that's why I continue to fight and speak out about the dangers of drinking and driving, so no other family has to go through the pain that my family endures every day.
Until next time...
Deanna
Monday, January 17, 2011
Shaking my head in disgust
When I originally heard about the story surroundingwoman who ran from cops when watching the news this weekend, I originally thought "she just didn't want to face the police because she was drinking and driving.
Then I read the story in The Buffalo News. Unbelievable. Her driver’s license has been suspended 12 times??? Yet she's still driving and putting countless lives in danger.
The driver who killed my sister was also driving with a suspended license. When the courts give out this penalty for DWI they are trusting the DWI offenders that they won't drink and drive anymore. Often the drivers don't listen.
Thank goodness the police caught up to her and now she's facing even more charges. Lives could have been lost due to her negligence.
I'd like to salute the law enforcement officers for getting her off the road...again. Hopefully now the justice system can keep her from endangering more lives.
Until next time...
Deanna
Then I read the story in The Buffalo News. Unbelievable. Her driver’s license has been suspended 12 times??? Yet she's still driving and putting countless lives in danger.
The driver who killed my sister was also driving with a suspended license. When the courts give out this penalty for DWI they are trusting the DWI offenders that they won't drink and drive anymore. Often the drivers don't listen.
Thank goodness the police caught up to her and now she's facing even more charges. Lives could have been lost due to her negligence.
I'd like to salute the law enforcement officers for getting her off the road...again. Hopefully now the justice system can keep her from endangering more lives.
Until next time...
Deanna
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