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Drunk driving can have life in a single moment
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Editor, Ceres Courier,

Prom holds lifelong memories, and I did not go. I played sports at high schools in San Joaquin County but graduated from Tracy High in 1993 in a wheelchair. I never planned to end school like that.

As my holiday letter of 2014 stated, a drunken driver hit me head-on in 1992 when I was 16. I had a coma, paralysis, brain injuries, with broken and dislocated bones. I stayed seven months in two hospitals and 17 months with therapy followed; not a life a teenager expects.

Some teens believe that drinking alcohol is mixed in with the fun. That is wrong, especially if driving is included. Why copy a drunken driver? Many of my hopes and dreams for my life vanished after a drunken driver hit me.

I cannot drive and hear perfectly now, but I can walk. That is a huge achievement for me considering my injuries.

My letters throughout California and speeches at schools in the Central Valley brought sober drivers to the roads. As a proud partner with the CHP, we are determined to make that continue.

Teenagers, show us you have learned: Do not drink and drive. This saves lives, including yours.


Lori Martin,
Tracy

LETTERS POLICY: Letters to the editor will be considered for publication but must be signed and include an address and phone number. Letters should contain 250 words or less and be void of libelous statements. Letters may be sent to The Ceres Courier, 138 S. Center Street, Turlock CA 95380 or emailed to jeffb@cerescourier.com.comX