South Yorkshire drink drive victim "lucky to be alive"

A Barnsley dad is warning people to think before they go out after a drink driver left him with spinal fractures and a separated bowel on New Year's Day (1 January 2023).

The collision on the A1 meant Matthew Arnold, from Brierley is unable to work or dress himself and must use a stick to help him walk.

Matthew has shared his story with the South Yorkshire Safer Roads Partnership in the hope people will leave the car at home when drinking this Christmas.

Matthew said: "I knew life wouldn't be the same again. I've never experienced such pain and fear. When people talk about life flashing before your eyes, I now understand how that feels.

"I felt lucky to be alive, but I was worried about what the future would hold; how I would be able to work and provide for my family."

He had to be freed by the fire service who found him trapped and unconscious in his car.

Roads Policing Inspector Matt Collings said: "No matter how long you have been a police officer for, responding to serious collisions has an impact. Think ahead this Christmas and New Year, how would you feel if it was your loved one?

"The inquiry can last hours at the scene, as well as weeks, months and even years after. This then costs the public a huge amount of money - all because a selfish person, who wanted to make their lives a bit more convenient, got in their car after having a drink or taking drugs."

The driver involved in Matthew's case was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for three years. He had previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink-driving.