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One Last Goodbye

The Deadly Cost of Drunk Driving: A Wake-Up Call for Our Generation

By MAROOF KHANPublished 8 months ago 4 min read
accident scene

She did everything right—refused the alcohol, made smart choices, and planned to get home safely. But someone else’s mistake stole her future. How many more lives must be shattered before we take drunk driving seriously?

Every day, thousands of people around the world lose their lives because of one careless decision—drinking and driving. It’s a choice that seems small in the moment but can destroy countless lives in seconds. The damage isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, mental, legal, and permanent.

To understand the heartbreaking truth behind this issue, read the story below. It’s a letter—a goodbye—that shook the world.

One Last Goodbye

Mom, I went out to a party tonight. I remembered what you always told me—not to drink alcohol. So I didn’t. I chose a Sprite instead. I felt proud because I made a smart, healthy choice. You were right.

When the party ended, lots of people started driving even though they had been drinking. But I felt safe, Mom, because I hadn’t. I walked to my car, sure I’d make it home just fine.

But then something happened that I never saw coming.

Now I’m lying here on the road. I hear a police officer say, “The driver who caused the crash was drunk.”

Your voice feels so far away, Mom. I’m covered in blood. I’m trying not to cry, but the pain is so bad. I hear the doctors say, “This girl is going to die.”

That driver went out to party too, but he made the choice to drink and drive. And now… I have to die.

Why do people do this, Mom? Don’t they know it can ruin lives?

It feels like my body is being cut by a hundred knives. Please tell my sister not to be scared. Tell Dad to be strong. I love you so much, Mom. I wish I could get one last kiss.

Someone should have told that boy how dangerous it is to drink and drive. Maybe if his parents had warned him, I would still be alive.

My breathing is getting slower. I’m so scared. These are my last moments, and I feel so alone. I wish you could hug me, Mom, while I lie here dying.

I want to tell you I love you… but I can’t feel anything anymore. Mama… I love you. Goodbye…

This letter was reportedly the final message of a young girl in 1997. A journalist from Telecinco was present at the scene and heard her words. Deeply affected, he launched a campaign to raise awareness about drunk driving. Her voice—cut short by someone else’s decision—is a haunting reminder of how one poor choice can change everything.

The Hidden Harms of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving doesn’t just hurt the driver. It devastates families, friends, communities, and innocent strangers. Let’s break down just some of the many dangers and consequences:

1. Loss of Lives

Every year, millions of people are killed or injured due to drunk driving. According to the World Health Organization, about 1.3 million people die in road accidents annually, and a significant portion involves alcohol-impaired driving.

2. Legal Consequences

In most countries, driving under the influence is a criminal offense. Penalties include:

Heavy fines

License suspension

Jail time

A permanent criminal record

A single DUI can ruin someone’s job prospects, education opportunities, and reputation.

3. Emotional and Psychological Impact

The guilt of taking someone’s life—or witnessing a loved one suffer—can leave permanent emotional scars. Survivors often face depression, anxiety, PTSD, and guilt.

4. Financial Burden

Accidents caused by drunk driving lead to:

High hospital bills

Vehicle damage

Legal fees

Insurance increases

Governments also spend billions treating the injured, investigating crashes, and handling court cases.

5. Broken Families

Imagine the pain of a mother receiving a call that her child will never come home again—just because someone decided they were “okay to drive.” Families are left with empty chairs, unopened gifts, and lifelong heartbreak.

Why People Still Drink and Drive

Even with all the facts, some people still take the risk. Why?

Overconfidence: “I only had a little. I can handle it.”

Peer pressure: Friends might say, “Come on, you’re fine.”

Lack of planning: No designated driver or transport options.

Misinformation: Some believe food or coffee can “sober them up.” It doesn’t.

The truth is: even a small amount of alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Behind the wheel, every second counts—and even one mistake can be fatal.

A Message for All of Us

The story you read isn’t just a sad tale—it’s a warning. One young girl made the right choices. She didn’t drink. She acted responsibly. Yet someone else’s mistake ended her life.

We owe it to her—and to every victim of drunk driving—to speak up. Don’t just read this article and move on.

Share it. Talk about it. Teach others.

Offer to be the designated driver. Call a cab. Take the keys from a friend. Be the reason someone makes it home alive.

Drunk driving is not an “accident.” It’s a choice—a deadly one. It leaves behind broken hearts, shattered futures, and voices that will never speak again.

Don’t let another innocent life be lost to carelessness.

Drive sober. Stay safe.

And never forget the words of a girl who just wanted to make it home.

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About the Creator

MAROOF KHAN

Passionate vocalist captivating audiences with soulful melodies. I love crafting engaging stories as a writer, blending music and creativity. Connect for vocal inspiration!

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