A woman who lost her son in a deadly car crash 17 years ago now speaks about the experience to convince others to avoid getting in vehicles with impaired drivers.
Marianne Angelillo received the call that all parents fear. Her son, Matthew, had attended a party in the woods, got in a car with a drunk driver and was the only one in the vehicle to die in a crash.
“And you have to learn to live with a very big hole, and our son Matt has left a very big hole,” Angelillo said. “And the only thing I can say is that you have this notification that it’s over. Your son’s life is over and you’ve had this child for 17 years, you’ve been feeding him, teaching him and watching him grow and mature, and in one second, someone just tells you he’s gone and his life is over.”
Angelillo said losing her son doesn’t mean his memory can’t be used to help others have more awareness about the danger of making poor choices.
With the holiday season approaching, she and members of law enforcement urged people to drive sober.
Angelillo travels to speak with high school and college students and emphasizes the importance of finding safe ways home and to avoid getting in a vehicle with a driver who has engaged in alcohol and/or drug use.
On Tuesday, she joined members of law enforcement at Destiny USA to encourage students and adults to travel safely this holiday season.
Police held a press conference to let the public know that New York state agencies will be ramping up patrols to target impaired driving.
The campaign runs from Friday, Dec. 17 through Jan. 1.
“Make sure before you set out, if you know you’re going to be drinking, plan for your ride home. Plan for your way you’re going to get home safely,” said Angelillo.
In 2020, just more than 2,000 people statewide were arrested for impaired driving, according to state data.
Law enforcement and parents like Angelillo hope this year will have zero impaired driving arrests.
“Your choices can either be a fatal mistake or they can get everyone home safe around you,” said Angelillo.
