No Empty Chair Campaign Event Highlights Keeping Our Teen…

No Empty Chair Campaign Event Highlights Keeping Our Teen Drivers Safe & Alive Today, Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol held a Press Conference at the Holland Patent High School, to inform the public of The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee “No Empty Chair” Campaign for 2023. The campaign is a weeklong education and enforcement initiative created to keep young drivers safe. County, State and Local Law Enforcement will increase their presence in the vicinity of local High Schools throughout, and will be vigilant about violations of the Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law, which is designed to provide time for young people to gain critical experience in various traffic scenarios. “This initiative is to keep teens safe so they can enjoy what is ahead of them – prom, graduation, and then moving on to the next step of their lives. Please buckle up, slow down, and put away your cell phones while driving. These few actions will make the highways safer for all and help prevent tragedy”, according to Sheriff Robert Maciol.

Also speaking at today’s event, Holland Patent Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Venettozzi, Principal Russel Stevener, along with senior class members, Izzy Stalker, Zoe Kelly, Jayson Masters, and Andrew Kanclerz. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee 2023 “No Empty Chair Campaign” educational & enforcement topics include: Monday, April 24th – Speeding in School ZonesTuesday, April 25th – Seat Belt and Child RestraintsWednesday, April 26th – Cell Phone Use and TextingThursday, April 27th – Operation Safe StopFriday, April 28th - Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving “I urge all of our young drivers in Oneida County to value their lives and the lives of others when they take to the road,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Make good decisions when it comes to alcohol and drugs and eliminate any distractions so that you can focus on driving safely and prevent a tragedy from occurring.” "We are so fortunate to have partnerships with our Oneida County Sheriff's Office and other local law enforcement agencies that help to keep our students and communities safe. This time of year is full of exciting and memorable events, such as prom and graduation, which are milestone events for our students and their families. It is crucial to remind young drivers about safety and responsibility, including the consequences of their decisions. We hope that educational events such as this help to create well informed, safe decisions that help to shape a positive future for our students”, according to Dr. Cheryl J. Venettozzi Superintendent of the Holland Patent Central School District.

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee of New YorkNew York State Sheriffs' Association