A Panel of victims speak briefly about the drunk driving crash in which they were injured or a loved one was killed. Each panelist tells their story and how their lives were affected by the crash or the death of a family member.  There is no interaction between the victims and the audience; however, a question and answer period may follow if the victims are willing to participate.  The audience members consist of people convicted of alcohol-related offenses and those on probation for Driving While Intoxicated. 

 The victims impact panel provided two significant services.  For many of the offenders, this is the first time they have ever been “face to face” with the possible consequences of their actions. For the victims, the panel gives them an opportunity to finally speak out, and perhaps, find some healing in the process. The Victims Impact Panel is an extremely emotional experience as panelists speak from the heart and share their pain and suffering with the offenders. Some panelists bring photographs of their family member who was killed by a drunk driver and explain how the loss has forever changed their lives. Victims also feel that sharing their stories and pain may prevent another person from suffering by possibly preventing drunk driving offenses. 

     The panel meets six times each year at the Rockland County Fire Training Center*, Fireman’s Memorial Drive Pomona, New York.  Over the past three years, approximately 1800 people have attended the Rockland County Victim’s Impact Panel. Please call the STOP-DWI Office at 638-5095 with any questions you may have.

There is a $20.00 cash only fee that must be paid prior to entering the panel.

*Directions: Palisades Parkway to Exit 12 – at the end of the exit ramp turn left. At the 1st traffic light make a left onto Route 45 South, stay a short distance on Route 45 South. Make a right onto Pomona Road and then make an immediate right onto Firemen’s Memorial Drive. The training center is at the end of the road on the left.