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 Clinton High School to inform the public of The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee's “No Empty Chair” Campaign for 2024. The campaign is a weeklong education and enforcement initiative created to keep young drivers safe.

One of many things that Clinton Central School District Superintendent Chris Clancy told the students at today's event was to “trust your instinct and arrive at your destination knowing that you made the safe choice for yourself and your friends”.

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.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee 2024 “No Empty Chair Campaign” educational & enforcement topics include:

Monday, April 29th – Speeding in School Zones

Tuesday, April 30th – Seat Belt and Child Restraints

Wednesday, May 1st – Cell Phone Use and Texting

Thursday, May 2nd – Operation Safe Stop

Friday, May 3rd- Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving

(The Oneida County No Empty Chair Campaign was delayed one week from the state initiative due to last week being the designated spring break week for the schools in Oneida County.)

“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.”