A recent DWI victim impact panel in Penn Yan focused on the life-altering consequences of impaired driving — not just for offenders, but for families and communities.
The event, held September 25 at the Yates County Office Building, was hosted by the Yates County STOP DWI Program. Sheriff Francis Ryan, who chairs the Task Force VIP, said the panel aims to humanize the damage impaired driving can cause, especially when drugs or alcohol are involved.
Mandatory attendance and strong messages
Out of 16 court-ordered attendees, five failed to show. All offenders were screened for substances and required to complete evaluations to verify attendance. Local probation officers and sheriff’s deputies were on hand, and County Court Judge Mackenzie Stutzman, prosecutors, and several local leaders spoke during the session.
Panelists highlighted that despite the legalization of marijuana, it remains illegal to drive while impaired by it. Speakers from FLACRA and Safe Harbors shared support services available for those affected by substance abuse or DWI cases.
A powerful story of loss
The keynote speaker, Sarah Palermo, shared the heartbreaking story of her daughter, Lindsay, who died after their vehicle was rear-ended by a driver going 106 mph. Lindsay had just finished celebrating a college milestone with her fiancé and friends.
Sarah spoke of her family’s long journey through grief and how that one reckless decision continues to impact their lives decades later. Since then, she’s made it her mission to educate others on the true cost of impaired driving.
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