Avoid a holiday tragedy

To the Editor:

The holiday season comes with family gatherings, social time with friends, and office parties. These joyful events can lead to life-altering consequences, like drunken driving.

When I was 16 years old in 1992, a drunken driver hit me. I had a four-month coma, broken bones, paralysis and brain injuries. My gait and speech are affected, and I lost my driving and hearing abilities. For 30-plus years, I read lips and cannot enjoy holiday music anymore. Drunken drivers injure lives in many ways.

Planning to take Highway 108 to attend a holiday gathering? Please make smart decisions now if planning to drink: Don’t drive drunk. The law enforcement and I urge you to have a sober friend, taxi, etc. drive you to and from this location. This ensures everyone’s safety on the road, including yours.

My message to drive sober will never get old because it saves lives. Having a sober driver is a superb way to begin 2023.

Lori Martin

Tracy