Diageo Supports Initiative to Prevent Drunk Driving and Underage Drinking In New Jersey

Students and Community Members Learn From Survivor

FLORENCE, N.J., April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Diageo, the world's leading spirits, wine and beer company is proud to support Brandon Silveria in his efforts to prevent drunk driving and underage drinking as he speaks to high school students across New Jersey this week.

Silveria, who survived a drunk driving accident when he was a teen, spoke to students today at Plainsboro High School North in West Windsor, New Jersey. Brandon tells his story under the auspices of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fighting drunk driving and underage drinking. This week Brandon will also be speaking to students at several New Jersey High schools including:

-- Florence Township Memorial High School in Florence, New Jersey
-- Wayne Hills High School in Wayne, New Jersey
-- Wayne Valley High School in Wayne, New Jersey

"We are proud to support Brandon as he shares his powerful story with young people and hope his message on the consequences of drinking and driving helps save lives," said Dwayne Kratt, Senior Director of State Government Relations, Diageo North America. "Diageo believes our products should be enjoyed responsibly by adults and we do not want anyone under the legal drinking age to drink. Period."

Silveria was 17 when he endured a three-week coma due to a drunk driving crash. Since his rehabilitation, Silveria has devoted himself to speaking about his experience and encouraging people under the legal drinking age to make the right decisions about alcohol. Although his speech has been permanently impaired, Silveria's presentation delivers a resounding message on the dangers of underage drinking and drunk driving and has captivated audiences across the country.

Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, an organization funded by some of the country's leading distillers committed to developing programs to combat drunk driving and underage drinking. These programs include "Ask, Listen, Learn," "Cops in Shops" and "We Don't Serve Teens." The Century Council also works with a broad array of education and prevention professionals on alcohol issues.

About Diageo

Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Jose Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines.

Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com/.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

Source: Diageo

CONTACT: Rachel Rosenblatt of FD for Diageo, +1-212-850-5697

Web site: http://www.diageo.com/

2008-04-15 19:30:55 0336868 PRNEWSWIRE