Interactive 'Drive Safe, Live Safe' to promote sobriety behind wheel

SUNY Oswego's University Police will host the fourth annual "Drive Safe, Live Safe" program at 6 p.m. Monday, March 27, in Hewitt Union ballroom, a free public event featuring keynote speaker Marianne Angelillo.

"Drive Safe, Live Safe," for all drivers but especially geared toward those ages 17 to 25, promotes responsible driving to prevent alcohol- and drug-related incidents. Angelillo's 17-year-old son, Matthew, was killed in 2004 due to an alcohol- and speed-related crash.

Angelillo, of Skaneateles, published the book "Sharing My Stones" in 2014, describing her experience with the death of her son. "I decided that I would share my pain if it could help save another family from experiencing what we had," Angelillo has said.

The evening will offer the following interactive exercises: a driving simulator to show how driving distracted or impaired affects one's abilities, the Oswego County STOP DWI pedal car obstacle course, three different Fatal Vision floor mat exercises (balcony danger, roadside sobriety test and stair challenge), a winding sidewalk, marijuana simulation experience and the Amy Stock Memorial Trailer, dedicated to an environmental studies faculty member for Empire State College killed by a driver whose blood alcohol was more than three times the legal limit.

The event also will feature interactive displays from sponsors of "Drive Safe, Live Safe," including STOP DWI (Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated), New York State Police, Oswego County Sheriff's Office, Oswego City Police, Oswego Fire Department and many other local partners also will participate and staff information tables, according to Assistant Chief Kevin Velzy of University Police.

There will be prizes and refreshments for participants.

Those attending "Drive Safe, Live Safe" may park in the employee lot in front of Culkin Hall or in the employee and commuter lots behind Hart and Funnelle residence halls. The approach to the lots is off the main entrance to SUNY Oswego on State Route 104 west of the city.

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