Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus joined District Attorney David Hoovler, Sheriff Paul Arteta and County Clerk Kelly Eskew on Friday, December 29th to show support for Dana Distributors’ Alert Cab initiative.
State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec and Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne also attended the event.
“You can certainly celebrate on New Year’s Eve, but be responsible and don’t drink and drive,” Neuhaus said. “Orange County has zero tolerance for drunk driving and law enforcement will remain vigilant during this holiday, ensuring that our roadways are safe. We appreciate that Dana Distributors offers the Alert Cab program. Every ride can potentially save lives.”
Orange County Emergency Services Commissioner Peter J. Cirigliano II was presented with Dana Distributors’ 2023 Recognition Award during the program for his tireless efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Cirigliano previously served in the New York State Police for 22 years, retiring as Troop F’s Zone 2 Commander. He began his tenure as the County’s Emergency Services Commissioner in October.
“All are encouraged to celebrate New Year's Eve responsibly by arranging for a designated driver, using ride-share services, such as the Dana Distributors Alert Cab program, or staying overnight if you plan to consume alcohol,” Cirigliano said. “A successful New Year’s Eve is one that is free from any senseless tragedies associated with impaired or intoxicated driving.”
Dana Distributors, in collaboration with Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), again will offer its Alert Cab program for individuals who need a ride home in Orange, Sullivan or Rockland counties on New Year’s Eve. Alert Cab is being offered until then to drive people home within 10 miles from the bar in a program coordinated once again by Dana’s General Sales Manager Tom Kennedy.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), every day approximately 32 people in the U.S. die in drunk driving crashes. In 2021, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths, a 14 percent increase from the previous year.
“My message to residents during the Holiday is simple: Don’t drink and drive,” Arteta said. “We will remain vigilant when it comes to keeping our roadways safe, not only during the Holidays, but year-round. Alert Cab provides another option when it comes to getting residents home safely.”
“Alert Cab is an important program that has been successful for two decades,” Hoovler added. “I want to thank Fred Dana and Dana Distributors for continuing Alert Cab each year. Our message is simple: Do not become or cause another statistic attributed to driving while intoxicated. There is never an excuse to drink and drive.”
For more information about the Alert Cab program, contact Tom Kennedy at Dana Distributors at 615-3236 or Tomk@danadistributors.com.