Group honors victim of drunk driving

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Starting Sunday, convicted drunk drivers will face new restrictions on the roads.

She was a beloved daughter, sister and friend.

Karen Kwiatkowski is described as vibrant girl, who always put others before herself.

However, on March 6, 1998 her life was cut tragically short when the car she was riding in was struck by a drunk driver in South Buffalo.

In response, Karen's sister, Deanna, started the not for profit organization called "C.A.I.D.", which stands for Crusade Against Impaired Driving.

Karen's sister, Deanna Russo said, "That's what we try to do with C.A.I.D. drunk driving is something that doesn't need to happen, the accidents are accidents, they are crashes."

C.A.I.D. seeks to raise awareness about the threat drunk drivers pose to our community through education, advocacy and victim services. This annual softball tournament in Karen's memory makes all of this possible.

A friend of Karen, Kate Cleary said,"I played softball with Karen all throughout High School. We also played in the town of West Seneca leagues. Her face lit up every time she played softball so when they started this tournament I couldn't think of anything better to represent her and what she loved."

This softball tournament comes on the heels of the second phase of Leandra's Law going into affect on Sunday. This new law will require drivers to install breathalyzer devices on their cars after their first drunk driving conviction. Deanna and her family know that this is another necessary step to make our roadways safer.

"I have a 5 month old baby and I don't want her life in danger I already lost one person to a drunk driver I don't want to lose another one," added Russo.