Brooks Unveils “One Second, Everything Changes” Traffic Safety Exhibit

Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks was joined by public safety officials from Steuben and Monroe Counties to unveil the “One Second, Everything Changes” traffic safety exhibit.

The exhibit, which was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, is part of a compelling joint effort to raise safe driving awareness and education among young and new drivers, conveying that all it takes is “one second” to “change everything.”

“As both County Executive and a mother, it is heart-breaking to hear about young people losing their lives in car crashes,” said Brooks. “The ‘One Second, Everything Changes’ exhibit will be a strong voice in our community that conveys and urges inexperienced drivers to practice safe driving habits on the road in order to save their lives.”

Brooks was also joined by Peggy Duffy, the Supervisor of the Office of Traffic Safety, to unveil the exhibit.

“This is an opportunity for young people to learn how a split-second decision can change lives forever,” said Duffy. “The ‘One Second, Everything Changes’ exhibit brings to light the impact these tragedies have on families and the community as a whole."

While New York State has seen a 38 percent decrease in vehicle fatalities over the past two decades, drivers 25 years or younger still account for nearly 23 percent of all fatalities. In 2006 alone, 22 young drivers from Monroe and Steuben Counties were involved in fatal crashes; 17 of which were from Monroe County. In addition, men are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than women.

The traveling exhibit, which is one of three in New York State, will be available for viewing in the Monroe County Office Building’s Atrium until November 21st. Afterwards, schools or community groups who are interested to have the exhibit displayed in their facility can call Tammy at the Office of Traffic Safety, at 753-3011.