Lori Martin: If you drink and drive on July 4th, you’ll give up your freedom

Fourth of July is one of America’s favorite holidays. We proudly celebrate the freedom and independence our brave soldiers fought hard to gain and keep. Some abuse their freedom by driving drunk. Driving drunk can limit the freedom of victims. When I was 16 in 1992, and a junior at Tracy High, a drunken driver hit me. Schooling and playing sports against other San Joaquin County schools ended. The crash put me in a coma for 100 days with broken and dislocated bones, paralysis and brain injuries that affect me daily. I spent 7 months in two hospitals and then had 17 months of therapy.

I lost my freedom to live independently. I cannot drive, do certain jobs and it’s difficult touring the beaches, deserts, forests and fields of beautiful California because my hearing, talking and walking are impaired. Show your American spirit by designating a sober driver if you drink. Do not drive drunk. Freedom does not include cuffs and steel bars.

This story was originally published June 14, 2016 at 11:05 AM with the headline "Lori Martin: If you drink and drive on July 4th, you’ll give up your freedom."