Parents of Simonstone teenager killed in road crash launch drink drive campaign

9:00pm Saturday 1st December 2012 in News

Janet and Andrew Alston Janet and Andrew Alston

A FESTIVE crackdown on drink driving has been launched with the help of the parents of a teenager killed the morning after a party.

The annual operation will see police officers across the county breathalyse and drugs test thousands of drivers around the clock at high-profile checkpoints.

Janet and Andrew Alston, who live in Simonstone, joined the campaign after their 18-year-old son Matthew was killed while driving to a friend’s house still unknowingly drunk.

The collision happened in Whalley Road at 7am when his black Vauxhall Corsa, which was heading towards Portfield Bar, lost control on a bend and collided with a silver Seat Toledo travelling on the opposite carriageway.

Matthew, who had been to bed after the party, died at the scene as a result of multiple injuries.

His mangled car was on display yesterday at the launch, at Edge Hill University, to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

Mrs Alston said: “Matthew died as a result of driving the morning after he had been out drinking alcohol with friends.

“He drove without realising the amount of alcohol still in his body.

“On that day, when we were told Matt had died, we were just in shock, in a daze.

“It was devastating. Matt was just a normal lad, we are a normal family.

“He was so cheeky; Always laughing and joking. That's something we'll never have again.

“This ‘Morning After’ campaign highlights the true effects of drinking and driving.

“Too many young drivers are getting behind the wheel when they still have alcohol in their system.

“As Matt's parents we would urge you to really think about the morning after. Are you really sure you’re fit to drive, it’s not worth the risk so don't even chance it.”

Superintendent Richard Morgan said 280 people were killed across the country in accidents where the driver was over the limit last year.

He said: “We are very grateful for the support of two parents who continue to grieve for their son Matthew who was killed in a collision after drink driving.

“They are trying to save someone else from the pain they have endured.

"I would like people to listen to their words and consider the consequences of drinking and driving.

“We will be working throughout the festive period to keep the public safe and want people to enjoy the festive season but to remember the consequences of driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Our message is simple – do not drink and drive and do not take drugs and drive.”

Comments (4)

9:27pm Sun 2 Dec 12

Darrens Delivery Service says...

It says five comments but I see none. Look every-one, young or old, male or female. If you want a drink of alcohol DO NOT EVEN THINK OF DRIVING.
And dont even think of driving till at least late afternoon the day after. By all means enjoy a good drink, but leave your bloody cars at home. Get a taxi, price of a couple of beers. And if this message does not come across, then you will be caught, killed some one, or dead yourself. Thats my rant over for today. l.o.l
It says five comments but I see none. Look every-one, young or old, male or female. If you want a drink of alcohol DO NOT EVEN THINK OF DRIVING. And dont even think of driving till at least late afternoon the day after. By all means enjoy a good drink, but leave your bloody cars at home. Get a taxi, price of a couple of beers. And if this message does not come across, then you will be caught, killed some one, or dead yourself. Thats my rant over for today. l.o.l Darrens Delivery Service

2:35pm Tue 4 Dec 12

ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123 says...

im sorry for their loss but if thier own son ignored them whats the chances of the public listening???
im sorry for their loss but if thier own son ignored them whats the chances of the public listening??? ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123

8:31pm Tue 4 Dec 12

The Curator says...

ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123 wrote:
im sorry for their loss but if thier own son ignored them whats the chances of the public listening???
Bit of a heartless comment dont you think . Matt's parents are likely still grieving and are trying to help in this campaign .
My Son was a close friend so please keep such comments to yourself.
[quote][p][bold]ROBERTSLUMDWELLER123[/bold] wrote: im sorry for their loss but if thier own son ignored them whats the chances of the public listening???[/p][/quote]Bit of a heartless comment dont you think . Matt's parents are likely still grieving and are trying to help in this campaign . My Son was a close friend so please keep such comments to yourself. The Curator

9:01am Wed 5 Dec 12

Bramley Meade Boy says...

A bit of a misleading story. This isn't a case of someone going out for a few pints, getting in at eleven and then being over the limit at around eight the following morning. The story, as reported in the LET, is about someone who was out until 5.30am after a night on drink and drugs, jumping in his car 90 minutes later and then speeding off, hitting an oncoming car and dying as a result. This case is forever being soft soaped on here, can Grammar School pupils or Ribble Valley residents not be irresponsible idiots, or is that preserve of 'other' boroughs?
A bit of a misleading story. This isn't a case of someone going out for a few pints, getting in at eleven and then being over the limit at around eight the following morning. The story, as reported in the LET, is about someone who was out until 5.30am after a night on drink and drugs, jumping in his car 90 minutes later and then speeding off, hitting an oncoming car and dying as a result. This case is forever being soft soaped on here, can Grammar School pupils or Ribble Valley residents not be irresponsible idiots, or is that preserve of 'other' boroughs? Bramley Meade Boy

Comments are closed on this article.

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree