Dear Editor:

It’s time for parties with spiked punch, spirited eggnog on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve champagne, and then beer and football games on New Years Day. 

Driving drunk risks your life and others. If you do not harm anyone, a DUI costs thousands. Isn’t a taxi cheaper than that?

When I was 16 in April of 1992, a drunken driver hit me head-on. I was a Tracy High athlete that played against other San Joaquin county teams. 

I was in a coma for 100 days, had paralysis, brain injuries and multiple broken and dislocated bones. I stayed in two hospitals for 7 months and then had 17 months of therapy.

Many hopes and goals vanished. My brain injuries affect my hearing, speech and walking daily. 

Californians must notice how important it is to not drive drunk. Have a sober driver or begin 2016 with depressing memories.

Lori Martin
Downey