At the Law Offices of Michael A. DeMayo, L.L.P., we have seen countless injuries and loss of life as a result of drunk driving. In an effort to deter teens from making poor choices that can cost them a lifetime, Michael A. DeMayo developed an educational program called "Arrive Alive! Don't Drink and Drive" and delivers his message to local teens in area high schools as they are approaching times of celebration such as spring break, prom and graduation.

During the "Arrive Alive" presentations, Attorney Michael A. DeMayo shares stories of deadly drunk driving accidents that his law firm encounters every day, including the loss of numerous teenagers injured or killed by drinking and driving. Students attending the assemblies are presented with the reality that motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for teenagers, and that alcohol mixed with inexperience behind the wheel is oftentimes a recipe for disaster.

"We see the tragic results of underage drinking and driving in our offices everyday," said attorney Michael A. DeMayo. "We want teenagers to see the reality of the severe consequences that can result from one bad decision."

Since the program's origination in 2003, the firm has partnered with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department's Highway Interdiction Traffic Safety Unit (HITS), the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, area high school Dream Teams, and other local agencies who have all helped to drive the "safe" driving message home.

Students attending the Arrive Alive program are also given pledges to sign encouraging them to talk to their parents about the issue of drunk driving, and allowing them to come up with a plan of action to get them out of a potentially dangerous situation, if alcohol is a factor.

***New to the Arrive Alive program in 2006-07 were speakers Peggy and Josh Bennett, who shared their personal story of how drinking and driving devastated their lives. Josh Bennett was severely brain injured in 2001 after wrecking his vehicle while intoxicated at the age of 18. After waking up from a 5 month coma, Josh continues a slow recovery but will suffer major brain damage for the rest of his life. Josh and his mother Peggy traveled to 15 schools in 2007 sharing their personal message with teens about how Josh's bad decision changed their lives forever. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the Bennett family for sharing their story, and helping other teens to Arrive Alive.

"The deep sense of loss surviving friends and family members conveyed in our programs lets students know that underage drinking and driving affects everyone around them," said attorney Michael A. DeMayo. "No amount of money can ever replace the loss of a life."

The Arrive Alive program has been very well-received by students and faculty alike, and we hope to continue to educate and help teens make smart decisions..and "ARRIVE ALIVE!"

If you would like us to bring "ARRIVE ALIVE" to your student's high school this year, please contact Kristine Woolley at (704) 333-1000, as well as your student's high school principal.