my son hit by drunk driver in head-on collision!
By seagoddess28
@seagoddess28 (873)
Canada
November 13, 2007 2:47pm CST
We were awakened early Sunday morning by a call on hubby's cell. Our son, very subdued, told us that he got into an accident on his way home (it was 1:31 am) and could we come. I've never dressed so fast--I would have gone in my jammies but it was so cold. Anyway, it was only a few blocks away and I kept up a constant stream of prayer to God and His angels. We kept saying that if he could talk, he should be alright, so we were apprehensive, but not overly so.
My fear started to mount when I saw a big collection of red and blue flashing lights--about four towtrucks, five police cars, and an ambulance. When I saw my son's car I almost had a heart attack! The whole front was bashed in--no way could anybody have no major injuries from something like that. I ran (well, limped), tears flowing down my cheeks, blubbering for my son, and until I saw him in the ambulance with no blood spilled, I thought I was going to die myself.
A drunk driver going east jumped his lane onto oncoming westbound traffic. The car in front of my son swerved to avoid the car and instead my son's car, which was on the slow lane closest to the curb, got the impact head on. Fortunately my son braked, and the impact was less than if he did not.
The airbags deployed and the engine started to smoke, and as my son scrambled out of his car, the drunk staggered to him and demanded "Why d'you hit my car?!" Fortunately, there were witnesses.
My son was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Scarborough Grace Hospital, x-rayed, and told to see our family doctor. His right knee had ballooned to the size of a grapefruit, his shoulders and back hurt, and his face burned from the deployment of the airbag.
We can only say a fervent thank you to the Lord for the great "defense" done by the Guardian Angels. The paramedics said that the car was a major factor in my son not having major injuries. My son has a 2000 Acura 1.6 EL (well, had--it is a complete write-off) and in a sense, it had saved his life.
When will people ever learn that drinking and driving make a lethal combination? I think there should be stiffer penalties for this type of irresponsible behaviour! What do you think, my myLot family?
5 people like this
17 responses
@brandy78 (159)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Wow thank God for miracles hey. i just don't understand people . As if you don't know your too drunk to drive. It makes me so angry that so many innocent people are killed by drunk drivers. I am so happy for you that your son is ok. As a Mom I can only imagine the terror you must have felt. Hopefully the drunk learns his lesson and doesn't put anyone else in danger
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Yes, brandy78, God has been really good to my boy. I am forever grateful to Him and to the Guardian Angels who surely intervened so that both drivers managed to walk on their own steam after the collision. Well, my son walked, the drunk was staggering around, eyes glazed. I would not wish anybody else to feel my terror and fury approaching that scene. It's about time stiffer penalties are imposed. This type of crime is completely avoidable and eats up a lot of community/social resources that could be better spent elsewhere.
@mari_skye (1637)
• Philippines
14 Nov 07
I'm so sorry to hear about your son's accident but thank God he is alright. There's a miracle for you! I sure hope the drunk driver learned his lesson. Hope he suffers the consequence of his actions to instill in him that drinking and driving don't mix.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank you, mari_skye, for your kind words for my son. We can only pray that the young man who nearly killed my son comes to his senses and realizes that a buzz is not worth being charged for murder. And wrecking other people's lives into the bargain!
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
13 Nov 07
Oh yes, there can not be a punishment stiff enough for this type of behavior. Summer 2006 my son was home on leave, he was supposed to meet some friends at a restaurant. He called about 10:30 to say there was a change in plans. One of his friends had been hit by a drunk driver. The young man was on his motorcycle. He is now paralyzed.
I am so glad that your son had minor injuries. Give him an extra hug tonight and every night for a long time.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank you, Debs_place, I will certainly treasure every moment I have with my son! It could have been a lot worse, and my heart bleeds for your son's friend! I assume that he was only a young man, and his future changed forever because someone did not have enough sense to take a cab home instead of drive drunk!
1 person likes this
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
13 Nov 07
Wow. I'm glad your son is ok. I couldn't imagine being in your situation. My husband freaks out if our kids choke a little on their food, don't know what he'd do if something like that happened. Our oldest is 5 though, so we've got some time before we have to worry about it. I do think there should be very stiff punishment for drunk driving. There is just no excuse for it.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
You are so right, ravinskye, there is just no excuse for drinking and driving. If only people knew the amount of damage it does, not only to the victims, but to their own families as well. You and your husband sound like wonderful parents--I hope you never have to go through what we have. I am so grateful that my son only had minor injuries; I do not even want to think beyond that.
1 person likes this
@Grandmaof2 (7579)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank the good Lord your boy is going to be alright. That would be a mothers' worse nightmare seeing what you did. I agree when will people ever learn????? Imagine how a person would feel if you killed someone because you were drinking. I know a lot of drinkers can and are good people but why take the risk ? I don't get it. It angers me. I'm so happy for you as I have already said that your son will be fine, but Thank You for sharing and maybe one day I hope someone will read a story like yours and perhaps make a difference in someones life for the better. Thank You for taking the time to share this with so many of us you don't even know. This will stick with me for a very long time and I will definately be thinking about you and your son.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank you. Grandmaof2 for your kind words. I watched CTV news at 11 last night and there was an item about a drunk driver in Alberta who managed to get four people killed (a mother and her three girls) when he hit their car. The mother looked to be in the prime of life and the girls all lovely young women, like rosebuds yet to bloom--all cut out of their time. As you can imagine my heart was breaking while watching the news and I could only say a prayer for those four lovely souls, and say another prayer for my son's escape. God bless you and your family!
@phillygirl606 (1112)
• United States
14 Nov 07
THank goodness your son has only sunstained minor injuries. Usually when we hear such cases its the innocent severly hurt and the drunk drivers always seem to walk away unharmed. At leastin your son case he was not severly hurt and the only totaled was the car.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
I know, phillygirl606, and I am really thankful that he only had minor injuries. The Guardian Angels must have been really working overtime early Sunday morning--apparently there were a couple more driving accidents in our city but no bad injuries. Take care!
1 person likes this
@spoiled311 (5500)
• Philippines
28 Nov 07
whew! that was a close call! and that is very stupid of people. they are the ones already in the wrong and they have the nerve to speak like that. crazy people... yeah, thank God for HIs grace and mercy to your son and your family. take care! :-)
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
29 Nov 07
Thanks, spoiled311, for your good wishes for my family. May you and yours be blessed always!
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
13 Nov 07
Granny Siggi I am so sorry to hear this and I am so glad that your Son is not to bad
I hate drunk Drivers but People will never learn they think it will never happen to them and it makes me angry because it is never them that get hurt either it is always the innocent one
I really hope that your Son will be ok and that the pain eases for him I know what he is feeling I have been there
Lots of Love and big big Hugs from me and the Patchouli Elf (((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Granny Siggi)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
2 people like this
@Mamaof2 (574)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
I am so sorry to hear this! I am glad that the lord was watching out for your son that night and he made it out alright. This subject to makes me very angry. I cant see how it is worth putting your self in a vehicle after you have been drinking and like you said, drinking and driving is a lethal combination. There most def should be very stiff penalties for this behaviour, after all you are putting innocent peoples lives at risk and that is the most irresponcible of all. Once again, thank goodness for the safety of your son!
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
15 Nov 07
Thanks for your kind thoughts for my son, Mamaof2--very much appreciated! The laws for drinking and driving could definitely be improved. There are just way too many tragic instances of precious lives snuffed by someone stupid enough to drive while impaired. Take care and God bless!
@sylvia13 (1850)
• Nelson Bay, Australia
14 Nov 07
I have always wondered about those airbags, but here is proof that they really work and even save lives! Wow! I am all for stiffer penalties for drink driving! There was a head on collision near here just a few weeks ago. It was early in the morning and there were 3 people killed, the one who was driving drunk apparently, a father delivering newspapers and his small son, who was visiting his father for the weekend and just wanted to spend more time with him. Drink if you like, but don't drive if you drink, that is what I think.
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
The airbag has to be one of the best inventions ever for the car. The fact that cars nowadays are built to crumple on impact, absorbing the shock of the collision and preventing more damage to the occupants is another lifesaving innovation. The paramedics who looked after my son told me that the newer cars are now built to safeguard the occupants better. Now if people were to be more careful and not drive while drunk, everyone will come out ahead!
@soccermom (3198)
• United States
13 Nov 07
WEll it is certainly a blessing that nobodyd was seriously injured. People never seem to learn about the dangers of drinking and driving, they all adopt the "can't happen to me" theory. Personally I have drank too much on several occassions, and I always call mu friend for a ride. She has gotten irritated about it at times, but also knows that it's better than putting me behind the wheel. I am glad your son will be okay, and I hope the other driver has good insurance to cover your medical bills and the total loss of your car.
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Well, SM, you are one of the few responsible ones. There should be more people like you who know better than to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence. As far as the insurance laws here in Ontario are concerned, we have "no fault" insurance. My son still has to pay the $500 deductible until the case is investigated and settled. If the other driver has insurance, then my son gets the deductible back. If the other driver has no insurance, then my son has to pay $300 deductible. How insane is that??!!My son lost his precious car that he loves like his baby, looks after it well and keeps it maintained, and was counting the days until his car payments will be over. Now the insurance will only pay for the value of the wrecked car to Honda Financing, and my son may even have to keep on paying the shortfall and NOT have a car for his use! This stupid drunken idiot probably does not even realize the wreckage--physical, emotional, and financial--that he left behind. My son relies on his car for his livelihood, and now that's changed.
1 person likes this
@bethyboo (399)
• United States
13 Nov 07
I think the thing that sums up how crazy this all was was when the drunk came up, apparently trying to pick a fight with your son for "hitting his car." If that doesn't show that this guy just needs to be locked up, and the key forgot, I don't know what does. Your son is truly blessed, as are you, that his injuries were not life-threatening. Sounds like the man upstairs has bigger plans for your boy than ending his life because of some idiot.
2 people like this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
13 Nov 07
The drunk's words would have been funny had the situation not verged on the tragic! This drunk driver did not realize that had something worse happened to my son, it would have impacted the whole family. Since I lost my store in 2006 and had a stroke shortly after out of shock, I have had no income, and my son, wholeheartedly and cheerfully, took on the burden of supporting the family. God is really good, bethyboo, and I am forever thankful to Him for looking after our breadwinner!
1 person likes this
@dbmax41 (585)
• United States
14 Nov 07
I have been arrested for drunk driving. I never had an accident thank God. You must do your part now and make sure to go to every court hearing to make sure this person doesnt try this again. Its kinda like protecting sociaty from this dangerous act. Too many people either dont call the courts to get the hearing dates or they just leave it up to the judge. First time offense and they will be driving in no time. Go and voice your concern so the courts see this person as a danger.
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank you for your honesty, dbmax41, by admitting your arrest for drunk driving. And thank God that you have never had an accident, and I hope you never will. I am sure that you are now going to be a sensible drinker to avoid putting yourself and others in danger. It is better and more comfortable to drink at home, because then you only have to walk and plop down on your own bed.
The court date has been set to a year from now. The courts here in Ontario are quite clogged, and this type of accident ranks way below other violent crimes. Not very comforting for the victims and the families of all concerned.
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
15 Nov 07
Your self discipline is admirable! I think it is great that you have been able to turn your life around. Blessings to you and your family!
@Thecaptain1 (19)
• United States
14 Nov 07
We had simliar problem with our daughter.
Like you we were at home and my daughter was going to a friends wedding in Louisville, Ky.
She called was crying was very upset and shaking.
She said she had been in a accident and her car was a wreck.
We ask if she was alright and I told her that I would come to her. (At that time the distant from were I was and where she was did not mater but it was about 200 miles but I did not care.)
She said she was ok.
She said she was stopped at a Stop light and there was a truck on her left when the light turn green they both started out but the truck speed up to get out of the way of the car that was coming thru intersection running the red light(The daughter could not see this car because the truck was in the way.)and slammed into the side of her car.
The woman driving the car that hit my daughter said she did not see the red light.
We ask our daughter if we would check with the doctors to see if she had any problem after the accident.
We were very happy to find out she was just shaken up and had only bruises.
She had a hard time get over this.
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
I am happy to hear that your daughter was just shaken up and only bruised, especially when it sounds like she was T-boned by the car that hit her. That was surely a very shocking experience and I hope that both you and her will get over this trauma. Motorists running red lights is another very common cause of horrible traffic accidents. Take care and all the best!
@paradise12 (938)
• India
14 Nov 07
I felt really sorry but i am thankful to God that he saved your son and narrowly escaped from the accident..I am sure he will recover soon and would be back to his normal life..
I strongly agree with you that there should be penalty or atleast jail for drunkards..Because of these people there are so many who lost their loved ones and such people shouldnt be allowed to drive..
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thank you, paradise12, for your good wishes for my son. I hope that you and your family will never experience the horror and the sorrow that we went through. Yes, the law should be less forgiving with drunk drivers because this type of crime could be completely avoided if people just stepped back and thought about the terrible consequences of driving while under the influence.
@shooting_star (384)
• Philippines
14 Nov 07
Good to hear that your son is alive and well in spite of the accident. I agree that there should be charges/penalties on the drunk who hit your son's car. A lot of accidents have happened on the road because of drunk drivers.
Personally, I don't drive when I'm drunk. If I've had a few drinks, I make sure I'm sober before I drive (I get coffee first), or I ask someone to drive for me. Or if I'm really really drunk, I just stay over at someone's place. I think that's much safer than driving drunk and being a hazard not only to yourself, but to others who might be victims of drunk driving accidents like your son.
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thanks, shooting_star, for your kind words about my son. I am happy to hear that you are one of the sensible people who know they shouldn't be driving when under the influence. If only we have more people like you, the problem will not be as horrendous. The cost of a cab versus the cost of life cannot be really compared, but some people don't even think of the consequences, until it is too late! And some are so stupid they do it repeatedly! Y
@miracleworld (201)
• India
14 Nov 07
thats very sad. hope your son is alright, people should not drink and drive . its very harmfull. srict law and heavy penalty should be brought in for drinking and driving.
Regards
Harry
1 person likes this
@seagoddess28 (873)
• Canada
14 Nov 07
Thanks, Harry, for your kind words. I hope that people realize the huge toll exacted on both humans and community resources by accidents due to driving while under the influence.
