Ignition Interlock Devices for DWI offenders

New York is blazing a path, and CAID couldn't be happier. Lawmakers just gave the green light to one of the toughest sets of anti-drunien-driving statutes in the nation.

It's a huge step to making our roads safer from drunk drivers. Tuesday in Albany, the state assembly passed a measure that special ignition locking devices can be imposed on any driver convicted of drunk driving. This includes first-time offenders.

The legislation also means those drivers caught drinking and driving with a child (passenger 15 and under) in the car could soon face a felony, that would bring up the charge from a misdemeanor.

How do these ignition interlocking devices work? A driver would blow into the device and the car wouldn't start if the driver has any measurable level of alcohol in his or her system. Interlocks may be set for "running retests" which require a driver to provide breath tests at regular intervals. That If a driver fails a running retest, the car's horn will blare and/or lights will flash to hopefully alert a police.

The bill is named after 11 year old Leandra Rosado. She was killed on October 11th in Manhattan, her father was a major advocate for the legislation, personally lobbying lawmakers.

Kudos to New York lawmakers...they woke up to the fact that DWI continues to make our roads dangerous. This legislation could be the starting point for turning things around.


Deanna

Talking to Students

October is Red Ribbon Month, also known as drug prevention month at schools. CAID has been doing the rounds at various schools.

First, CAID presented Karen's story to sophomores at South Park High School. Students were very receptive to the message. Then, just a couple days later it was off to Mount Mercy Academy. I knew that it would be emotional, returning to my alma mater (and my sister's). The girls were very attentive and I was impressed by the maturity and interesting questions.

Just last Friday, I went to Trocaire College where the group was older, yet still very encouraging that despite how emotional this can be, the message needs to be delivered.

This Wednesday, we're headed to West Seneca West.

CAID is planning a DWI awareness day this holiday season. Everyone's invited to see us at the Walden Galleria Mall on Sunday, December 6.

If you're interested in Deanna's pregnancy as she prepares for her new addition - head to MyBuffalo.com and search "Baby Chronicles".

Until next time...

Deanna

What CAID is up to these days

First of all, my apologies, it's been three weeks since I last updated this blog.

Not that it's an excuse, but my husband and I are expecting our first child (it's a girl :)), so life has been both tiring and hectic. If that's possible.

CAID is planning a DWI awareness day at the Walden Galleria Mall coming up on Sunday, December 6. Come out and learn what we're all about, and support a good cause.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to sophomore students at South Park High School. They're having their red ribbon week in coordination with their Homecoming Dance. The students were very receptive to my message, and asked many questions. I want to say thank you to Katie Thomas, Karen's friend (and passenger in the March 1998 accident).

Tomorrow, I'm headed to Mount Mercy Academy (our alma mater) to talk to students there about the dangers of drinking and driving. I'm sure it will be emotional as I walk through the halls that Karen and I both enjoyed so many happy memories in, but hopefully the girls will understand how dangerous DWI is and remember Karen's story.

Thanks for supporting CAID,

Deanna

New Tool for Police Making DWI Arrests

Imagine this: you're pulled over for DWI. In addition to the typical sobriety tests: finger to the nose, toe-heel walk in a line, etc. etc. police also ask you to roll up your sleeve to have your blood drawn.

It could happen.

Police in Idaho and Texas are beginning drawing blood from people suspected of driving under the influence. Here's a link to the AP article about it. Officers are being trained as phlebotomists.

CAID says this is just another tool that police can use to fight DWI on our roads. With the proper training, hopefully police can discourage even more people from driving under the influence.

Could officers in New York soon follow the lead set by police in Idaho and Texas?

Very possible, I'll keep you updated here as I learn about similar efforts in New York.

Until next time...

Deanna

A Success!

Thanks to the hundreds of players who participated, the spectators who came out, and all the volunteers who helped make the 2nd Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser a success.

With 17 teams participating, we doubled last year's number plus more! We had 110 items in our basket raffle, tons of food and water, and a 50/50 drawing too! The kids enjoyed a bounce house and cotton candy too!

Here are a few pictures from the event...more pics are coming soon!



Stay posted...we'll be counting up the proceeds and providing you with a total soon!

Thanks to all!!!!

Deanna

Preparing for CAID's largest fundraiser!

It's almost here. In just a few more days, the 2nd Annual CAID Softball Tournament and Fundraiser will get underway at Sunshine Park in West Seneca.

I'm so impressed by all the enthusiasm, excitement, and competitive spirit among the team captains. The Junkyard Dawgs, our returning champions will have a challenging task as they try to defend their title.

The forecast is calling for sunny skies and 79 degrees. (I told you it wasn't going to rain :))

It's a one pitch tourney, which means all games will last approximately 45 minutes-1 hour.

The first games get underway at 8am on Saturday. The championship game will get underway at approximately 3pm, and the fundraiser will probably wrap up by 5 or 6pm.

Water, coffee, donuts, pizza, and chicken and pulled pork sandwiches will all be available for a minimal donation. All this food has been donated by very generous local businesses. COLD water and pop will be available for all, perfect for a hot and humid day. Head to the picnic area at the center of the park. *All proceeds* will be donated to CAID.

What about the basket raffle and silents auction? We have 5 times as many donations as we had last year - more than 100 items have been donated - ranging from gift certificates to huge baskets to autographed memorabilia from your favorite local athletes. For just a few dollars, you could walk away a winner.

We've publicized this event more this year, and we're expecting lots of spectators to watch you all take the field. We're hoping everyone keeps in mind that this is an alcohol-free event, a charity event, and should be a fun event.

Have you wondered what CAID is and where your money will be going? We'll have a CAID information table near the basket raffle where you can learn more about my sister Karen who this organization is dedicated to and what we're trying to do to fight drunk driving on WNY roads.

BRING THE KIDS! We'll have a bounce house, cotton candy machine, and possibly even a special guest visitor :)

We'll have a team of 15-20 volunteers assisting us with various parts of the tournament throughout the day. If you have any questions throughout the day - look for the volunteers dressed in the gray t-shirts. They'll be able to help.

Feel free to email me or call my cell phone (830-4010) and I'll gladly answer your questions.

Thank you again for taking part and we'll see you Saturday!

Deanna

Honoring NYS Troopers

Before I begin, I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to all the families who've lost a loved one to a drunk driving crash in the last two weeks. It's been one DWI crash after another in the last couple weeks, including the one on Friday that killed a Buffalo Police Officer who was on his way home from work.

One thing that's overshadowed by all the coverage of the crashes is the good work being done on our roadways to prevent DWI from causing serious harm. This afternoon, CAID was proud to acknowledge New York State Police, Troop T for leading the way in DWI arrests for 2008. Troopers had more arrests than any other police agency in Erie County with 431. With those arrests, troopers averted 431 crashes that could have killed or injured someone.

Captain Nigrelli of the New York State Police was given an Award of Excellence. I'd like to thank the NYS Police, Erie County Central Police Services, STOP DWI of Erie County, and the New York State Thuway Authority for being a part of this presentation. All these groups work together to make our roads safe.

Here's a link to The Buffalo News story about the recognition.