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, joined by members of the Sheriff’s Office, Whitesboro Superintendent Dr. Brian Bellair & school officials, and several students, held a Press Conference at the Whitesboro High School to inform the public of The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee “No Empty Chair” Campaign for 2025. The campaign is a weeklong education and enforcement initiative created to keep young drivers safe.

Dr. Bellair opened up the event speaking to the students in attendance stressing the importance of not making destructive decisions and how proud he is of the students in the Whitesboro Central School District.

County, State and Local Law Enforcement will increase their presence in the vicinity of local High Schools throughout all of next week, 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 2025 “No Empty Chair Campaign” educational & enforcement topics include:

Monday, April 14th – Speeding in School Zones

Tuesday, April 15th – Seat Belt and Child Restraints

Wednesday, April 16th – Cell Phone Use and Texting

Thursday, April 17th – Operation Safe Stop

Friday, April 18th - Underage Drinking and Impaired Driving

“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.”

Several students were introduced by Dave Cognetti, Principal of the Whitesboro High School, and they all spoke at today’s event reiterating similar messages from the Sheriff, and their superintendent. The students that spoke included Brian Withers (Senior Class President), Gavyn Burgdoff (Student Council Officer), and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) members Noah Down, Skye Buffa, and Joey Perras.