As St. Patrick's Day approaches, The Resource Training Center, provider of the New York State Drinking Driver Program, is reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they've been drinking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports over 700 people were killed nationwide in crashes involving a drunk driver during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday from 2006 to 2010.  

“Whether you are gathering with friends at the local pub or attending the parade, if alcohol is part of the festivities, make sure you designate a sober driver to get you home safely,” said Monica Farrar, program director of The Resource Training Center in Amherst.

Erie County Legislator John J. Mills will host the 1st annual Hot Dog Roast Fundraiser to benefit the Boston Free Library.

“I am looking forward to the first hot dog roast in Boston and bringing this fun event to the community. I hope everyone will come out and support the library,” said Legislator Mills.

The fundraiser will be held from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16 at the Boston Free Library, 9475 Boston State Road, Boston. The event will also feature Bubbleman from 6 to 7 p.m.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and Senator Patrick M. Gallivan joined together today in Orchard Park to sign legislation to strengthen the state’s law against texting while driving.

The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Gallivan (R,C,I-59th District), gives law enforcement the authority to pull over a motorist who is text messaging, e-mailing, transmitting images, or playing games while driving -- making it a primary traffic offense. Previous statute considered texting while driving a secondary offense, meaning police could only stop a texting driver if they had committed an additional infraction like speeding or failing to stop at a traffic signal.

“Today is about one thing – saving lives,” said Gallivan. “We have seen far too many tragedies caused by driving distracted to sit idly by any longer.