Avoid a holiday tragedy

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 coma for four months, broken bones, paralysis and brain injuries. My gait and speech are affected, and I lost my driving and hearing abilities. For more than 30 years, I read lips and cannot enjoy holiday music anymore. Drunken drivers injure lives many ways.

Planning to take Highway 89 to attend a holiday gathering? Please make smart decisions now if planning to drink: Don’t drive drunk. 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, California