Long Island, NY - May 2, 2016 - Every year, high school students plan and prep for their upcoming prom. Finding the right dress, saying yes to the right date, and attending the best after-party. It's supposed to be the perfect night –but that could all end in an instant. To keep teens and drivers safe this prom season, the Community Ambulance Company is implementing a prevention program to offer free prom and banquet transportation to those students from the Bayport, Connetquot and Sayville School Districts. The Community Ambulance Company has joined together with Suffolk County Legislator Bill Lindsay and Youth Enrichment Services (YES) to create a program to prevent teens from drinking and driving after prom.

For teens that may be unfit to drive in Bayport, Bohemia, Oakdale, Sayville, West Sayville on prom and banquet night Lindy’s Taxi will have drivers on hand to pick teens up and drop them off safely at their local home, no questions asked.

According to the Community Ambulance Company Medical Director and attending Emergency Medicine Physician at Northwell Health - Southside Hospital, Dr. Brian S. Blaustein, DO, "motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death in teenagers. About a quarter of those crashes involve underage drinking. During prom time throughout the United Stated ambulances are called to scenes of accidents involving under aged drinking that resulted in sometimes serious injuries or fatalities."

“Our goal is to provide a joint program to prevent any horrible tragedies from occurring as a result of drunk driving during prom time. If we can avoid someone from being injured or killed and keep our children safe, it is well worth it." said Christopher Gonzales Chief of Community Ambulance Company.

When asked about the co-sponsorship Legislator Lindsay stated: "I am excited to collaborate with Community Ambulance Company to help ensure the safety of our students attending the prom. By providing alternative transportation, it is my hope they will have a safe and wonderful evening as they enjoy this milestone night."

MaryAnn Pfeiffer, Executive Director of the Youth Enrichment Services said: "YES is excited to partner with CAC and SC Legislator Bill Lindsay to ensure safety for our children and our communities. The continuing efforts by YES and our other community partners to educate about the dangers of drinking and driving as well as alcohol abuse will have an impact in the communities, within our families and with our youth."

Jamie Atkinson, Community Ambulance Company Board of Director/Vice-President stated:
"Talking with kids about drinking on prom night should be part of an ongoing conversation with them about the hazards of drinking. Educate your children about the dangers of drinking and driving and make sure they have a memorable night. We encourage all teens who are unfit to drive to take advantage of this program by phoning Lindy’s Taxi at (631) 588-1055 to obtain free prom transportation."

The Community Ambulance Company proudly serves the areas of Sayville, West Sayville, Bayport, Bohemia and Oakdale, answering an average of over 4000 calls per year. If interested in joining, please contact (631) 567-2586 for more information.

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