A traveling display designed to help young people learn more about the dangers of drinking and driving has arrived at Genesee Community College.
Arranged by the STOP-DWI program, which is funded through fines paid by drunken drivers, the display features the stories of young people killed by drunken drivers.
There are at least eight different displays that travel throughout the state, created by the state association of STOP-DWI programs, each with a different theme.
The theme currently on display at GCC features athletes.
The exhibit includes:
Artifacts: Personal items from the crash victims, such as: photographs, closes, drawings and sports equipment.
Statements: Accounts from survivors, family members, friends and members of the community affected by the crash.
Newspapers: Local news coverage of the crash.
Timelines: The chain of events leading up to the crash and the events immediately following.
Aftermath: Victims' statements read at trial and the outcome of any court proceedings available at the time of the exhibit’s creation.
It's a powerful message that reminds viewers of the impact of a fatal DWI-related accident, said Sheriff Gary Maha.
"This is first time I've seen this," Maha said. "To me, this is the real thing. These are victims, innocent victims, who have been tragically killed by drunk drivers. We see it often in our community from time to time.
"I hope young people come out and look at this and read these stories and eventually won't drink and drive," Maha added.
Photo: Jocelyn Sikorski, county youth bureau, Deputy John Baiocco, Matt Landers, assistant county manager and administrator of STOP-DWI, and Sheriff Gary Maha.
My stepson, Robbie Post, died
My stepson, Robbie Post, died in an alcohol related accident at the age of 16 on 12/31/1987, along with 2 of his friends. I hope this display will provide enough impact that everyone that sees it, reads about it, or hears about it, will be smart enough to do the right thing - not drink and drive, not ride with someone that is driving after (or during) drinking, and help all of us be safer on the road - while saving pain and anguish from the lives of those impacted by those that do not adhere. Thank you for this effort.