“I never thought this would happen to us”: Warwickshire mum speaks out after daughter seriously injured by drink driver

As Warwickshire Police begin their month-long operation to remove drink and drug drivers from our roads, a local mum whose daughter was seriously injured by a drink driver has a message for parents and young drivers this festive season.

Victoria’s life changed forever on a summer night in June 2024.

Her 18-year-old daughter, Amelia, was out celebrating finishing her A-levels with friends. Hours later, Victoria was standing in a hospital, praying her daughter would survive a brain injury caused by a drink driver.

The 18 year old driver of the car Amelia was in had been drinking. He lost control and crashed into a tree.

Amelia spent nine days in hospital. When she came home, Victoria and her family became her carers. Now, every month, they travel across the country for medical appointments.

Victoria is now urging parents to educate young drivers on the dangers of driving under the influence before it's too late.

Victoria said: "As parents it's our responsibility to keep our children safe, remind them that if they have drunk any alcohol or are under the influence of drugs - don't drive.

"My message for drivers would be that one bad choice could have devastating consequences, it could be life changing for you, your passengers and your family.

"If you have been drinking alcohol, or using drugs, don't risk it - don't drive."

The driver who crashed that night pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16 months in prison (suspended for two years) and 250 hours unpaid work alongside a three year driving ban and alcohol treatment and overnight curfew.

In Warwickshire, drink or drug driving is a factor in one in seven fatal or serious crashes.

This message comes as Warwickshire Police have launched their month-long Operation Limit and are stepping up roadside tests this festive season.

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