Putting A Face on the Issue of Drugged Driving
By MADD | October 19, 2011| 22 Comments | Filed in: Drugged Driving , Victim Services

Kelsey

Stephanie Call was a normal mother like any other. Her children were bright and full of spirit. They attended a private school and had all the potential in the world for success. Her family was full of love; and as a mother, Stephanie had much to be proud of.

That is, until Stephanie’s life was turned upside down. On a day that started out like any other day, her daughter, Kelsey, got into a car driven by her friend’s mom and headed to school. Suddenly, a driver under the influence of prescription drugs crossed the median in the road and struck their vehicle, killing all three occupants.  The driver pled guilty, but Stephanie and her family still feel the loss every day.

“I have a gaping hole in my heart that will never heal,” Stephanie says.

Stephanie at the
 Drugged Driving launch
in Washington, D.C.

Now, Stephanie is working to make sure that nobody has to experience that same kind of loss again. At an event held by MADD in Washington, D.C., Stephanie shared her story in an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drugged driving on our nation’s roads. While MADD has always provided support to drugged driving victims who were referred to us, at the event with the help of Stephanie, MADD formally announced a nationally coordinated effort to reach out and support these victims in addition to our continued focus on serving victims of drunk driving.

You can play a part as well.  A victim advocate helped Stephanie’s family deal with the aftermath of a drugged driving crash.  But, we need your help to make sure that other drugged driving victims can also receive support. Make a donation or find out how you can become a trained victim advocate.  Because, while the substances differ, the consequences are the same—needless deaths and injuries.

 


   

Comments

Submitted by lily at 08:34 PM on December 28, 2011
On Dec.10 2011, my 5 year old precious nephew was killed during a trip out east on Long Island with his dad, mom, sister, and brother to get a family Christmas tree when my brother’s vehicle was violently rear-ended along the Highway by a driver who police say was high on prescription drugs; the term they use is he was on a "cocktail" of prescription drugs....as far as I am concerned this guy killed my precious little nephew. My nephew's neck was broken on impact and he became 90% brain dead. We never got a chance to even say goodbye...My brother sister-in-law, and other nephew and niece are all lucky the survived..but I miss this little guy..He had so much life ...I don't think our politicians realize that laws should be more strict for drunk drivers, drugged drivers...when you abuse drugs or alcolhol use abuse yourself and others arounds...
Submitted by Susie at 08:47 PM on December 8, 2011
A drugged driver took the life of my beautiful Mother as she was crossing the street in front of her workplace. He was a 3 time offender with no remorse. My family is forever broken. My heart can't heal. He was merely charged with possesion of the left-over drugs he tossed from his car. Seems he was allowed to refuse a blood test and walked away to kill again due to this technicality. Thank you MADD for your effort to help change laws.
Submitted by heather at 09:12 PM on November 29, 2011
I can honestly say im so sorry for what your going through my son was hit by a drunk driver the good thing about my story is my son was one of the lucky ones that lived im just now starting to talk to people out ther i want to find a way to get it out in my community about the awarness and the effects that drugs and alchol can do to a person and family my son now is in kindergarten and has to go through speech and special ed classes but enough about my story my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family
Submitted by TREVA at 11:02 AM on November 26, 2011
May God Bless You. I too lost my son this year 1-15-11,and everyday is a struggle for me. He left behind a now 3 yr. old beautiful little girl and she misses him so much.With all the court days being continued to different months I have to relive that morning over and over. It hasn't been long for me at all and people say it will get easier but I don't feel that way.He was my only child, He is what I lived for. His dad died when he was 5. All 3 freinds could have died and I guess that was a blessing. My son was 19, his freind had been drinking and ran off the road 2 mins. from our home. This is the first time talking about this and I pray for all who have experienced death this way.
Submitted by Angie at 06:48 PM on November 22, 2011
You've been on my mind a lot lately for obvious reasons. Kelsey's life has touched a lot of people, probably more than you will ever know. I pray the next chapters in your life are joyful, and I'm sure they will be filled with love because you have a wonderful family that will be there for you unconditionally. If you need anything, please don't be hesitant to ask. I love you guys...I pray God blesses you and your family for all the awareness you have brought about, and all the good deeds you do.
Submitted by Rosemarie at 01:01 PM on November 11, 2011
I too have a BIG HOLE in my heart, it will never heal.. My mother was taken from me on 9/1/2005 cominig back from Pincreast in Sonora CALIF. The driver of the car started back in Oakdale which is 30 to 45 minute drive (over 30 miles) he was driving recklessly, several calls put into CHP, NO one did a thing not even an off duty officer who was driving behind the idoit. He slammed into the truck my mother was crushed, head laceration, and blow aorta, needless to say the EMT left her on site to suffer.. They to are at fault for letting her die. The DUI driver was a 3 time loser, making this his 4th, he got 8 to 13 years in prison which is not enough. As my mother is gone forever and I did not get to see her to say good bye or to hold her even one last time. My mother was de scalped on one side, and her face was a mess,I was advise to remember her for how she looked..I nealy went crazy the first 2 years, my life has changed FOREVER.. DUI driver should get LIFE in prison for taking are love ones.. as I am without my mother who I loved with all my heart and soul..
Submitted by Michelle at 12:33 PM on November 11, 2011
am upset that these drunk/drugged drivers can be caught, and almost immedietly get back on the road. Their cars should be taken away from them. The laws against them are to lenient!
Submitted by Kristi at 10:34 AM on November 11, 2011
Thank you for sharing your story. We often forget about prescription drugs & driving when providing education. We get so focused on alcohol awareness.
Submitted by MiMi at 07:15 AM on November 11, 2011
My Heart goes out to this family. On April 26,2010 I woke up to what I thought was gonna be a normal day and as I was walking out of the house to go to work I had two police officers at my door to tell me my only child and daughter age 21 had been killed in a motor vehicle accident she was the passenger and the driver was drunk, I will never have answers to that terrible tragic accident, but every day that goes by I have a hole in my heart as well that will never mend. My daughter also had a two year old son that will never know his beautiful loving and caring mother. This does change your life forever!
Submitted by Susan at 05:18 AM on November 11, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss..I am so sick and tired of people thinking it is ok to drink or take drugs and then get behind a wheel of a car..I wish they would take a minute and ask themselves how they would feel if it was a member of there family that was killed by someone like them..May God Bless You And Your Family..Big Hug..
Submitted by bunnie lynn mass at 10:24 PM on November 10, 2011
my son was killed by a drunk driver he was a passenger in a van and the driver and my son died. my son age 26 and the driver 27 it will be a night that i will never forget. my brother is a tow truck driver and he was called 2 the seen.....he did not no that it was his nephew....he called me to tell me the bad news and then the state police came to our house......i am having a very bad life now i can't ever forget what happend......my life is not worth nothing with out my son......depression you will never believe.....my life has changed forever....
Submitted by Mama J at 05:42 PM on November 10, 2011
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. I personally know the effect that this type of tradgedy causes on you and the love one and fhen riend that have been affected by your lost. Will we ever stop experiening this I wish I had the answers! But like the song writter once sung, a change gotta come! I truly believe her life will still touch others still today! Be encourage ! Mrs. Yolanda Jarmon
Submitted by Lana at 04:44 PM on November 10, 2011
Thank you for sharing your heartbrake and your daughter, Kelsey
Submitted by polarwolf1 at 04:38 PM on November 10, 2011
this was a sad incident. May god bless the family.
Submitted by Jerry at 03:37 PM on November 10, 2011
I lost my brother and sister-in-law and two cousins to a multiple repeat convicted DUI. May we all find peace over these senseless losses.
Submitted by Sheree at 12:37 PM on November 9, 2011
This sure has changed the life's of my family..Steph...I love you, and you are a very strong Woman...and RIP My sweet cousin....I love you Kelsey Rebecca
Submitted by Noelle at 10:29 PM on November 7, 2011
I am very inspired by all the stories and i hope no one else has to go through this any more!
Submitted by Moonjean at 08:13 PM on October 27, 2011
I’ll never forget the day I was hit and lifted from the rear by a young drunk driver who had no license, no Insurance, and no prove of ownership. I was driving a passenger van with 6 female passengers who were on their way to work, it happen on December 7, 2003 at 5:08 AM. How can anyone forget that day! We all suffered minor injuries and some have recovered, but the mental trauma is still alive. The van was a total loss, we were blessed could have been fatal Please support MADD!
Submitted by nono at 08:53 PM on October 24, 2011
hello mad today my teach was talking to us about m.a.d.d. She told us about m.a.d.d. because this whole week is red ridden week. madd has changed me to not drink or drive or to drink and take dugs at all. thank you for changing me i hope people will fell the way i do.
Submitted by Sam at 11:04 PM on October 22, 2011
What a sad story, I wish more people would stand up against drinking and driving, alcohol never leads to anything good. EVER!

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