Crediting students from Valley Stream North High School with the idea, Nassau County Legislator John J. Ciotti (R-North Valley Stream) is sponsoring legislation that will help prevent DWI incidents before they happen.

The problem that the students brought to Legislator Ciotti's attention relates to underage youth who drink and drive. Under NYS Law persons under the age of 21 are not permitted to possess alcoholic beverages. Underage youths, however, may improperly obtain alcohol and then drive to a remote area to drink and then later drive. If they are discovered by the police prior to entering their vehicle, the police can only issue an appearance ticket for the possession of the alcohol. The legislation proposed by the students would authorize the police to temporarily take the vehicle from the youths, bring it to the local police station, hold it for 24-hours and require the owner of the vehicle take repossession of it.

"This legislation takes the weapon out of the hands of the driver before a tragic crash occurs," said Ciotti. "I am proud of the students of Valley Stream North High School for the thought that they put into their subject. Additionally, I am grateful to the police officers of the 5th Precinct who interact in a positive way with our young people on a daily basis."

"MADD fully supports this legislation. If one life is saved by this proposal, then it has done its job," said Marge Lee, vice president of the LI Chapter and Public Policy Liaison of MADD New York State. "I commend the young men and women and Legislator Ciotti for advancing this proposal."

"I am proud of our students who have worked hard this year with Legislator Ciotti to develop this local law. I congratulate them for their concern for their fellow students and its about time that our students get credit for the positive work that they do." said Marc Emmerman, a social studies teacher at the high school and faculty advisor to S.A.I.L.

The Valley Stream North students are part of S.A.I.L. (Students Active In The Law) an organization started by Legislator Ciotti to involve local students in the County Legislative process. The proposed legislation has been filed with the Office of the Clerk of the County Legislature.