Mineola, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was joined today by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Raymond P. Martinez, Long Island Limousine Association Vice President Joseph Carletto, Nassau County Police Commissioner James Lawrence and representatives from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) at a press conference to introduce a new service for teens who do not have a safe and sober way to get home on prom night. The L.I. Limo Association has pledged to offer a free ride to any teenager attending a prom if they are in a car being driven by a person under the influence of alcohol.

"Drunk driving is a destructive and potential deadly mistake. My colleagues and I will take any steps necessary to prevent a loss of life on prom night," said County Executive Suozzi. "This should be one of the happiest nights for teenagers as they start a new chapter in their lives, and I don't want to see anyone's cut short by drinking and driving."

"The Long Island Limousine Association does not permit teens to consume alcoholic beverages in their automobiles, and we stand strong against any underage drinking on prom night. If a teen is stranded or sees anyone operating an automobile under the influence on their prom night, they are encouraged to call 1-800-962-2827 for a free ride. If we can save one life through our efforts of providing transportation for teens who are stranded, then we will consider this project a success," said Joseph Carletto.

Commissioner Raymond P. Martinez of the New York State Motor Vehicle Department and chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee added, "Proms and graduations are the most important times of the year for teenagers. They should not have to be stranded or endangered because their driver is impaired by alcohol. The Long Island Limousine Association should be commended for providing these free services. The toll-free service will enable teenagers to arrange for a free ride home."

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 17,400 people died last year nationwide from drunk driving accidents, which equals 48 deaths a day. An additional 500,000 people are injured each year in drunk driving-related accidents. On Long Island alone, 80 people lost their lives in 2003 due to drunk driving collisions.

"The Long Island Limousine Association does not permit teens to consume alcoholic beverages in their automobiles, and we stand strong against any underage drinking on prom night. If a teen is stranded or sees anyone operating an automobile under the influence on their prom night, they are encouraged to call 1-800-962-2827 for a free ride. If we can save one life through our efforts of providing transportation for teens who are stranded, then we will consider this project a success." Joseph Carletto, Vice President of the Long Island Limousine Association.

"Prom time is a time of high risk and this is an opportunity to get the message out that getting kids home safe is the highest priority," said Art Nigro, Executive Director of the Long Island chapter of MADD.

For more information on Nassau County's outreach program for curbing substance abuse by teenagers may contact the Education Unit of the Nassau County Department of Drug and Alcohol Addiction at 516-572-1999. Again, the phone number to call on prom night is 1-800-962-2827 for a free and safe ride home.