Don't Drink and Drive and Always Wear Your Seatbelt!

In June 2003, my husband, James, was hit by a drunk driver who was traveling the the wrong way on the freeway. But we were lucky. James was wearing his seatbelt. Between that and the airbags, his life was spared.

Not everyone is so lucky. Please wear your seatbelt every time you get into a vehicle. And never drink and drive...the risk you take is just not worth it.

Think before you drink!
I encourage people to have fun. If that includes an evening with drinking alcoholic beverages, I have no issue with that. Just please, select a designated driver or arrange for safe transportation. If a friend or family member attempts to leave after drinking, be a true friend and STOP them.

The aftermath
The driver had his headlights off and apparently drove over 2 miles on the wrong side of the freeway.   James never saw him coming until it was too late that foggy morning. He was pinned inside this car for just over an hour. Just before the collision, he tried to avoid the other car and swerve. But it was too late...the other car partially ripped off both driver's side doors. The roof was cut off by the jaws of life so that James could be removed from the car. The car was a total loss, but that's nothing compared to the damage that was done in other respects. This one poor decision to drive drunk caused our lives to forever change. And James' decision to buckle up that day was the reason he survived.



He had just left the house to go to work...
This accident happened within 3 miles of our home. There have been times when James didn't buckle up until he hit a certain exit on that freeway.  It would slip his mind. That exit would've been too late that day  He would not have made it that far.

Buckle up every time. Make it a game for the kids to see who can buckle up the fastest. Let them know that the car doesn't move until you hear the click. It's important to do this...and to do it EVERY time.

 
Graphic used with permission

Please think before you drink.  Have a designated driver and always use your seatbelt.