Brandon Silveria tells his story in a pamphlet published by the Century Council (1310 G Street, NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20005-3000 [202/637-0077] www.centurycouncil.org). He says, “My life before: I had a job, a car, a girlfriend…and after: one bad decision.

“What was the big deal with having a couple of drinks? Everyone else was doing it! And why not drive home? After all, my friends needed a ride…

“I had a few beers and decided to drive. My car veered off the road and smashed full-speed into a tree. I was in a coma for two and a half months. My weight dropped from a healthy 168 pounds to 109 pounds. I couldn’t walk, talk or eat. Miraculously, I lived to tell my story.

“The bummer of all of this is that I created this mess for myself because of making stupid choices. First, the choice of thinking I was cool enough to drive – after all, I was invincible, nothing was going to happen to me! WRONG.”

Brandon wants all teens to “realize that peer pressure will make you do things that you would not normally do and you’ll be the one that will pay for these choices for the rest of your life.”

Then Brandon asks, “Do you have ANY idea how it feels to be treated like you’re mentally retarded when you’re not? I started out as a fairly popular student and athlete, on my way to college and a wonderful life. At age 17, I chose to drive after having a few drinks. Since then, I fight daily to keep my life on track. Since recovering from the crash, I have spoken to over 1 million students about the consequences of one bad decision. My dreams will never come true. I will pay for my stupid choices for the rest of my life. I hope my story will make a positive difference in your life and help you to make the 'Right Choice.' Remember…it’s your decision, it’s your life, make the right choice.:

Parents, the best way to steer your child in the right direction is to go in the right direction yourself.