Almeida Plumbing Vehicles Sport Magnets Promoting Driver Safety in February

This month Almeida Plumbing of Smithfield is displaying magnets on their vehicles promoting the Katie DeCubellis Memorial Foundation (“KDMF”) message, "drive safely".

In 1999, Katie DeCubellis, 13, a student at the Pier School in Narragansett. was tragically killed by a drunk driver.  The KDMF was established in Katie’s memory, promoting youth leadership, supporting education, and generating public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and substance abuse.

Each month, with the help of the Rhode Island State Police and AAA of Southern New England one or more establishments will place the KDMF magnets on its vehicles helping KDMF to encourage the public to take notice. The goal is to raise awareness and also thank the organizations who are all so willing to donate some space on their vehicles. 

"It’s foundations like this that we enjoy being a part of to help people remember the importance of preventing tragedies when indulgence impairs,” Almeida Plumbing owner Fred Almeida.

The KDMF has partnered with  the Rhode Island State Police, AAA, Big Blue Bug Solutions, Del’s Lemonade, Munroe Dairy, and Almeida Plumbing in the campaign to help keep the roadways safe.

Driving under the influence and distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic on America's roadways. According to the latest Centers for Disease Control statistics nearly 11,000 people died due to alcohol impaired driving crashes in 2010 alone and over 3,000 people were killed in distracted driving crashes. Those alarming numbers have spurred Rhode Island businesses and organizations to join forces with the KDMF.

”We are so pleased and honored that such respected and conscientious organizations are joining forces with the KDMF to help encourage motorists to drive responsibly, and hopefully, save lives,” said John DeCubellis, the Executive Director of the KDMF.

To date, The KDMF has awarded more than $300,000 in scholarships, prizes and donations.