Crash victim on a mission to discourage drink drivers

18 October 2013

Crash victim on a mission to discourage drink drivers

There’s nothing like getting injured to make you aware of the impact an injury can have on your life.

As part of ACC Safety Week 2013, ACC clients are sharing their stories about how they got injured – and they’re encouraging other Kiwis to pay attention to safety, to avoid getting injured themselves.

Below, Aucklander Gary Farrow shares his story:

Gary Farrow needs no persuading about the dangers of drinking and driving – not since a drunk driver ploughed head-on into Gary’s car, as he was returning home from a day-trip to Whangarei in February, 2007.

It was a moment which changed Gary’s life, and changed his outlook on alcohol and the part it plays in our culture.

Aged 19 at the time of the crash, Gary was studying politics at university, and looking forward to a career as a political journalist. The crash changed all that.

“As well as countless broken bones, I suffered a traumatic brain injury. I spent over two months in hospital, and another seven and a half months in a live-in rehabilitation centre. For years after that, I had to undergo several days of intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy, every week.”

With all the muscles in the right side of his body permanently affected, Gary has had to learn basic functions, such as walking, all over again. A right-hander by nature, he’s had to teach himself to write using his left hand.

“These days, I can get around all right. But I walk with an unusual gait and can only use one hand to perform everyday tasks. That puts extra strain on my body, so I’m starting to experience flow-on effects such as tendonitis and joint issues.”

Gary eventually went back to university, completing his degree in 2010. But the ongoing effects of his traumatic brain injury means he still gets tired easily, and can’t concentrate for long periods.

Given the intensity of the world of political journalism, Gary no longer sees it as a viable career option. He’s currently a volunteer worker for a student radio station, and a public speaker for various organisations promoting road safety.

The subject of his speaking engagements is no surprise.

“I try to discourage people from drinking and driving. I’m a living example of what can happen to innocent people when others drink and drive. I know it’s a cliché, but if I can stop this happening to just one other person, I’ll have fulfilled my mission.”

ENDS

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