Contra Costa drunk driving death forever changes family

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY—“Giovanni, my brother, was full of life. He had a huge personality that could light up any room. His favorite hobbies included playing video games and fishing. He loved hanging out with his friends. He loved animals and dreamt of becoming a veterinarian or a doctor specializing in sports medicine. Giovanni was a fantastic human being and the best little brother anyone could ask for.”

Those were the words I heard from Giovanni’s sister after her 19-year-old brother was killed by a drunk driver. She told me the loss of her brother has forever shattered her family, and their lives will never be the same. The 2018 crash occurred on Highway 4 near Willow Pass Road in Contra Costa County.

The conscious decision someone made that night to get behind the wheel while intoxicated was 100 percent preventable. That driver’s deadly choice is why her family has an empty chair at their dinner table during this holiday season and beyond.

With so many options such as rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, there is no excuse to drive while impaired. Sadly, we at Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) still see the tragic results when people don’t plan ahead to get home safely. Giovanni’s story is repeated again and again on our Bay Area roads.

Alarming increase

Even in this pandemic. when people drive less, the impact is still felt. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports an alarming increase in the presence of alcohol and other drugs during this COVID-19 outbreak. And the California Highway Patrol has seen the number of DUI arrests and crashes with fatalities involving drugs and/or alcohol increase from the same time period last year. Such behaviors during the pandemic, combined with already high rates of deadly crashes during the holidays, we need more vigilance than ever this time of year.

In honor of Giovanni, and in the hopes of making the roads safer in Contra Costa County this holiday season, we at MADD urge everyone to plan ahead for a safe ride home. Never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Don’t let the poor decision of “I’m still OK to drive” be the reason your life and the lives of others are tragically changed forever.

Saving lives

You can help save lives and prevent injuries on our roadways by doing the following:

Plan ahead. Designate a non-drinking sober driver before the celebration begins to ensure everyone arrives home safely.

Don’t put your life and that of others in danger by letting the person who’s “less drunk” drive.

Host parties responsibly by offering mocktails and other non-alcoholic beverages. Provide alternate transportation or accommodations for guests who have been drinking.

Please join us in creating a future of “No More Victims” of impaired driving this holiday season and beyond.

Natasha Thomas is the regional executive director of MADD’s Northern California region. For more information, contact her at natasha.thomas@madd.org or visit madd.org/northern-california.