Powerful poem drives home drink-drive message

An anonymous poem sent to Bury Council hits home a hard-hitting message that drink driving is selfish – and kills.

Here’s the poem:

‘Don’t Drink-Drive Anytime’

I went to a party,
And remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink, Mum
So I had a Sprite instead.

I felt proud of myself,
The way you said I would,
That I didn't drink and drive,
Though some friends said I should.

I made a healthy choice,
And your advice to me was right
As the party finally ended,
And the kids drove out of sight.

I got into my car,
Sure to get home in one piece,
I never knew what was coming, Mum
Something I expected least.

Now I'm lying on the pavement,
And I hear the policeman say,
The kid that caused this wreck was Drunk,"
Mum, His voice seems far away.

My own blood all around me,
as I try hard not to cry.
I can hear the paramedic say,
"This girl is going to die."

I'm sure the guy had no idea,
While he was flying high,
Because he chose to drink and drive,
Now I would have to die.

So why do people do it, Mum
Knowing that it ruins lives?
And now the pain is cutting me,
like a hundred stabbing knives.

Tell sister not to be afraid, Mum
Tell daddy to be brave,
And when I go to heaven,
Put "Daddy's Girl" on my grave.

Someone should have taught him,
That it's wrong to drink and drive.
Maybe if his parents had,
I'd still be alive.

My breath is getting shorter, Mum
I'm getting really scared.
These are my final moments,
and I'm so unprepared.

I wish that you could hold me Mum,
As I lie here and die.
I wish that I could say I love you, Mum
So I love you and good-bye.


The Council’s Road Safety Unit decided to publish the poem as a warning to motorists about drink driving as the festive party season got into full swing.

"The poem features the last thoughts and words from someone who has innocently become the victim of a drink-driver and really does drive home the message," says Stuart Howarth, Bury Council’s RSO. "We received it anonymously through our Road Safety Unit email address and wanted to trace the author to find out if they had been affected by a drink-drive tragedy.

"Unfortunately, we have been unable to trace the author but wanted to make the poem public because it really is a stark reminder that people who drink and drive are gambling with other people’s lives."

Councillor Stella Smith, Bury Council’s executive member for environment and transport said; "The Council’s Road Safety Unit reminds residents to resist the temptation to drink and drive at this festive time. The message is the same all year round but parties, works ‘dos’, and visits to friends and family - all offering a festive drink - increase the possibility of motorists drinking and driving.

"This poem is a thought-provoking reminder that drink-driving is a matter of life and death and can all too easily spill over into tragedy - often for complete strangers and their families. We are grateful to the author for helping us remind motorists in such a powerful way."

The council is keen to remind motorists that loss of life, liberty, income and respect are just some of the things they can put at stake by drink-driving this Christmas.

For further information contact Neil Sterio, Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, 0161 253 5007, n.sterio@bury.gov.uk