Caroline’s life took a dramatic turn one fateful night when she decided to get behind the wheel after a few too many drinks. The consequences of her actions changed her life forever.
That Friday evening, she had posted on her WhatsApp status how it was time to go and enjoy since the rest would be left for Monday.
She narrated how it was a norm for her and her seven friends to drink from around 6:00 PM to the next morning, especially enjoying the tequila shots around 2:00 AM.
This time around she felt like going back home after the shots, not realizing that she was drunk. Their usual drink-up program was to take some food or soup to neutralize the alcohol, but that day, she insisted on rushing home.
The car accident was a traumatizing experience. Her vehicle collided with a tree, leaving her shaken and grateful to be alive.
After realizing what could have become horrible injury, death, or worse, harming others, he hit her like a ton of bricks.
“I was lucky to walk away with minor injuries that made me be admitted to Mulago Hospital,” Caroline reflected.
“While admitted, I felt guilt and shame because my friends had advised me to instead use an Uber or let one of my friends drive me, but I refused,” she added.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of drink driving. It is no wonder most of the alcohol bottles warn not to drink and drive.
“I couldn’t keep living like this. I wanted control over my life. Escaping death in such a terrifying accident made me think twice and stop drinking,” she narrated.
She, however, said that it was not easy quitting alcohol, but she persevered with support and encouragement from her friends, who she used to drink with, but witnessed how she almost lost her life.
Caroline now hangs out with her friends without taking alcohol.