A family in Luzerne County still grieves for a grandfather and father who was killed by a drunk driver one year ago tomorrow. Now they are aiming their sights on others who would drink and drive.
On Route 309 a billboard reads, "A drunk driver killed me on my wife's birthday." On Route 93 near Hazleton another one reads, "Because of a drunk driver I'll never get to know my Pop-pop." The man pictured on the billboard is Joseph Gigliotti. He was killed by a drunk driver in a crash last year.
The drunk driver was Kevin Prussock, 25, of Butler Township. After pleading guilty he's serving at least three years in state prison.
"At first we tried to give the driver the benefit of the doubt, not knowing that he was under the influence and after finding out, it just breaks your heart," said Gigliotti's grandson Joe Kringer.
The billboards were donated by Lamar Advertising.
The idea came from the Gigliotti family, whose lives where changed when their beloved Joe died in the crash last year.
"He was a healthy man and loved life and was ripped away way to early," Kringer added.
The Gilgliotti family said their goal is simple. If they can just get one person to think before drinking and driving it will be all worth it.
The billboards are also a way to help the family put their grief to good use.
"Obviously he won't be at my wedding when I get married, wasn't at my college graduation so it's hard to have a memorial for somebody instead of having them there when this could have been avoided," said granddaughter Faith Kringer.
The billboards and messages are expected to remain for three months.
On Route 309 a billboard reads, "A drunk driver killed me on my wife's birthday." On Route 93 near Hazleton another one reads, "Because of a drunk driver I'll never get to know my Pop-pop." The man pictured on the billboard is Joseph Gigliotti. He was killed by a drunk driver in a crash last year.
The drunk driver was Kevin Prussock, 25, of Butler Township. After pleading guilty he's serving at least three years in state prison.
"At first we tried to give the driver the benefit of the doubt, not knowing that he was under the influence and after finding out, it just breaks your heart," said Gigliotti's grandson Joe Kringer.
The billboards were donated by Lamar Advertising.
The idea came from the Gigliotti family, whose lives where changed when their beloved Joe died in the crash last year.
"He was a healthy man and loved life and was ripped away way to early," Kringer added.
The Gilgliotti family said their goal is simple. If they can just get one person to think before drinking and driving it will be all worth it.
The billboards are also a way to help the family put their grief to good use.
"Obviously he won't be at my wedding when I get married, wasn't at my college graduation so it's hard to have a memorial for somebody instead of having them there when this could have been avoided," said granddaughter Faith Kringer.
The billboards and messages are expected to remain for three months.
