“Everything I’d hoped and wished for can’t happen now – everything is ruined.”
These are the words of 17-year-old Stacey Williams, who survived the horrific crash on the A5 in Menai Bridge during the early hours of Saturday, 28th February this year.
Her words come as the four Welsh police forces, led by North Wales Police and the Welsh Assembly Government launch their annual Christmas drink drive campaign – which runs from 1st December through to 1st January 2010.
Stacey has been left with life-changing injuries following the collision which fatally injured three others – 15-year-old Elin Rowlands, 17-year-old Clifford Jones and 18-year-old Rebecca Lee.
The driver, 24-year-old Richard Brown is now serving a ten-year sentence after he pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by dangerous driving and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A special video has been produced, with an interview with Stacey and her father, Kevin Williams – who talk about the impact of the collision on their lives.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Ian Shannon said: “This year’s All Wales Christmas Anti Drink Drive campaign will once again set about warning drivers that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.
“There will be a robust approach, both before and after Christmas, and if you break the law and drive over the limit you not only run the risk of disqualification and a criminal prosecution, you also risk your own life, as well as the lives of others.
“Officers throughout Wales are committed to making our roads safer and will be conducting targeted patrols in a bid to reduce the number of motorists who decide to drink or take drugs and then get behind the wheel.
He added: “We are determined to do everything we can to make the roads of North Wales safer; however we cannot work in isolation. We need the support of the public to be able to make a real impact. I urge everyone to play their part – drink drive limits cannot be calculated and the only safe way is not to drink and drive.”
Deputy First Minister and Minister for Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones said: “This will be the third Drink Drive campaign I have been involved with and while I believe we are changing attitudes and helping to cut alcohol-related road deaths, there are still too many individuals and families whose lives are being devastated by drink-drive related injuries and fatalities.
“Although only a small minority of motorists continue to ignore the law in regard to drink-driving, this minority of irresponsible drivers still accounts for one sixth of all road deaths in this country. I urge these drivers to consider the effect that their behaviour may have on innocent victims, and stop being so utterly thoughtless.”
Over the next four weeks, thousands of motorists face being stopped as teams from the four forces – North Wales, Dyfed Powys, South Wales and Gwent – conduct road checks at various locations across the country.
If you know of someone who regularly drinks and drives, or if you suspect someone who is behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol, contact North Wales Police on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line), 0845 607 1002 (English line) or Crimestoppers Wales Cymru anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – [email protected]
