Editor, Manteca Bulletin

Holiday celebrations normally contain alcoholic beverages.  Do not make destructive decisions like drinking and driving. 

When I was 16 in April of 1992, a .28 blood alcohol content drunken driver hit me head-on.  I was seriously injured.  I stayed in two hospitals for 7 months and 17 months of therapy followed.  Relearning to walk and talk was difficult. Although my hearing is damaged, I became a strong partner with the California Highway Patrol two decades ago. We educate people throughout Central San Joaquin Valley about the dangers of impaired driving.  Safer roads resulted, and lives have been saved. 

In June, I received a Certificate of Community Service from CHP Deputy Commissioner Ramona Prieto.  I was surprised to receive the highest honor of the Department from CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow: The fourth Commissioner’s Medal of Distinction ever given since CHP opened in 1929. I am so thankful for the certificate and priceless medal.  They make me realize that CHP appreciates my work. Holiday cheer can impair a person’s driving.  I urge all to designate a sober driver before festivities begin.  This hero avoiding alcohol drives those who drink to prevent crashes like mine, including those with fatal outcomes. 

Lori Martin

Tracy