House Republican Press Release

July 14, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Kalinowski:  Teenagers Still Drinking and Driving

Seminar will highlight the state’s new driving laws and parent responsibilities and liabilities

HARTFORD- Young people continually fall victim to the perilous mix of alcohol and motor vehicles, and State Representative Ray Kalinowski (R-Durham) aims to do something about it.

Kalinowski has arranged a July 23 lecture that will provide information to young drivers and their parents. Scheduled speakers include Department of Motor Vehicles spokesman William Seymour, who will outline the state’s new driving laws. It will be held at Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham.

“Getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol is like dropping a boulder off a building,” Kalinowski said. “Drunken drivers ruin their own lives, and rip apart those of people they don’t know.”

Other speakers include John Suchy of the state’s Liquor Control Commission and George Franek, a law enforcement officer who has witnessed tragedies involving teenage drivers.

Suchy will talk about the state’s efforts to quash sales of alcohol to underage drinkers in bars and package stores. Franek, a first responder, will provide vivid accounts of motor vehicle crashes.

Other subjects include liabilities and responsibilities of parents, as well as the legal consequences of drinking and driving and the emotional toll of injuries and deaths.

“This collection of speakers will be able to provide parents, and more important, young drivers, with a sobering look at the ramifications of mixing booze and automobiles,” Kalinowski said.

This special event begins at 7 p.m. inside the auditorium

Coginchaug Regional High School is at 135 Pickett Lane. For information, call (860) 240-8700.