Don't risk repeating my drink drive horror, says teenage horror crash victim
Harrison King was just a young man enjoying himself when his life took a shocking turn of events that changed things forever.
In May last year, 19-year-old Harrison made the decision to drink and drive - a decision which nearly ruined his life and could have ruined the lives of others.
Now, his story has been highlighted in a video released by Staffordshire Police, in the hopes that it will make people think twice before they drink and drive.
As Harrison sped through the streets while over the limit, he lost control of his Ford Fiesta and left the road, ploughing into railings which pierced his windscreen, almost killing himself.
He said: "The last thing I remember is eating my tea at about 8pm that evening. I don't remember how I ended up driving that night, it is all just a blank.
"I want to share my story to discourage people from drink driving, to use me as a learning curve, don't make the same mistakes I made.
"It was devastating to see my family go through all of that, the whole town knew about it, everybody knew about it, there was no hiding from it. My mum was devastated.
"My advice to other people is don't. Don't bother taking the risk."
Harrison, from Ashbourne, in Uttoxeter, was convicted of drink-driving and given a driving ban and a fine as well as community service.
PC Jason Hughes, who was on duty that night, said: "Harrison is one of the luckiest young drivers I have ever met. A heavy impact at quite a high speed into what were angled railings, Harrison very nearly lost his life. He could have also killed someone else."
Recent research by the independent charity Drinkaware, which works to help reduce alcohol misuse, has highlighted the pressures people feel to drink during the festive period.
The research showed 53 per cent of people said they plan to drink more in December than any other time of the year, and 27 per cent admitted it is a time when they think they can drink as much alcohol as they like without feeling guilty.
One in five said they drink more because it is encouraged by friends, colleagues and family.
This month Staffordshire Police announced they would increase patrols throughout the festive period to keep revellers and businesses safe.
Chief Superintendent Moore from Staffordshire Police said: "It is important that people stop and think before a night out and give themselves chance to make sensible choices.
"Thinking about things such as travel before you go out, organising a designated driver or booking a taxi helps reduce the risk of people making a less sensible choice later, such as driving after drinking too much.
"Harrison King was a young man who did not make preparations before going out. He drove under the influence of alcohol and crashed into railings. He's lucky to be alive."
"We want people to enjoy themselves safely in our town and city centres, whilst being aware of the risk they pose to themselves and others if they drink too much."
