WSNNTV – As we head into the holiday celebrations, two Suncoast mothers want you to think of the consequences that come with driving while impaired.
“It only takes a second to take a life, and it only takes one minute to save many,” said Manatee County resident, and Dustin’s mom, Tena McCallister.
Two Suncoast mothers against drunk driving still feel the heartache, after losing their sons to impaired drivers. Tena McCallister, of Manatee County lost her 30 year-old son, Dustin in 2018
“By a drunk driver, on state road 64 not very far from our house, not very far at all, he wasn’t very far from home either,” said McCallister.
McCallister describes Dustin as being vibrant, outgoing and outspoken.
“Did a lot for a lot of people, in fact that night, that’s what he was out doing was helping somebody on their ranch and he had a little boy, at the time was eight, was just loving life, filling his bucket list,” said McCallister.
McCallister wants those who drink, to plan ahead
“Communicate with your friends that you’re out and about with, be the designated driver, prepare to be the one that doesn’t drink that night and take your friends and family home safe,” said McCallister.
Elizabeth Batchie of Sarasota County, lost her son, Matthew in 2017 while he was walking his girlfriend home.
“He was walking her to the front door, and as they were crossing the road they were both hit by an impaired driver and luckily his girlfriend survived but Matthew lost his life to the accident,” said Sarasota County resident, and Matthew’s mom, Elizabeth Batchie.
Batchie describes Matthew as funny, friendly and kind, with a passion for motor cross.
“Even in motor cross, if he would pass a friend or win a race he would always go back to a friend and say sorry I had to pass you, that was his heart,” said Batchie.
Batchie hopes those drinking will make the right decision.
“Although it is a holiday, impaired driving is still a crime, so you need to take it seriously because you’re effecting more than your life, you’re affecting a whole community,” said Batchie.
“Don’t let another mother get a knock at the door, it’s pretty devastating, if you could save that knock, you can save the heartache that families have, it goes a long way,” said McCallister.
MADD has a 24-hour victim helpline for those who have lost a loved one to impaired driving. You can contact them at 877-623-3435.
