Editor,

Today I had the honor and privilege to read out loud Resolution C-137-16, “Impaired Driving Prevention Month in Island County,” at the regular meeting of the Island County Board of Commissioners.

Every year, the Island County Commissioners make this proclamation in order to remind everyone that driving impaired has serious consequences for the driver, passengers and everyone else on our roadways.

For more than 16 years, the Impaired Driving Impact Panel of Island County has presented impact panels in Oak Harbor, Freeland and Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. In addition to these panels, we present in the middle schools because our mission is:

“To deter driving under the influence and underage drinking, through education and awareness.”

Our panels present factual information to driver’s education students, their parents, military personnel, offenders and the general public. Our speakers tell the audience how impaired driving has affected them, their families and their community. After presenting more than 500 civilian panels and 60 military panels, IDIPIC knows that our volunteer speakers touch everyone’s heart when those present hear their pain and loss.

How can you help prevent impaired driving? Have a conversation with your family and friends about the consequences of driving impaired. This will remind you to be responsible for yourself and others. For additional information about IDIPIC, please visit our website www.idipic.org or find us on Facebook.

On behalf of all of our volunteers, speakers, supporters and “Partners in Prevention” donors, I wish you a safe, joyous and satisfying holiday season.

Mike Diamanti

IDIPIC Director