The mother of a teenage girl who was seriously injured by a drink driver has told motorists to "think before you drive" and "don't risk it" this Christmas.

Victoria's life changed forever on a summer night in June 2024.

Her 18-year-old daughter, Amelia, was out celebrating finishing her A-levels with friends.

Hours later, Victoria was standing in a hospital, praying her daughter would survive a brain injury caused by a drink driver.

The 18 year old driver of the car Amelia was in had been drinking. He lost control and crashed into a tree.

Victoria asks: "Do you want your mum to sit in a courtroom, wondering if her son is going to prison?

"That's what the mother of this drink driver had to do. It's devastating on both sides."

Amelia spent nine days in hospital. When she came home, Victoria and her family became her carers.

Now, every month, they travel across the country for medical appointments. 

The driver who crashed the car pleaded guilty. He received a 16-month sentence (suspended for two years), 250 hours unpaid work, a three-year driving ban, alcohol treatment and an overnight curfew.

In Warwickshire, drink or drug driving is a factor in one in seven fatal or serious crashes.

Warwickshire Police will be stepping up roadside tests this festive season in a bid to combat drink driving.

"I don't want this to happen to anyone else," Victoria says. 

"Think before you drive and don't risk it."

She's asking other parents to speak to their kids before it's too late.

Victoria wants parents to tell their kids "you're not going out in a car full of friends" and "you're not getting in a car with someone who's just passed their test".

Her message to drivers:

• One bad choice can change everything. For you, your passengers, and your family.
• If you've been drinking or using drugs, don't drive. Ever.
• A drink or drug conviction could affect your freedom, social life, even your job.
• Always opt for 0% drinks if you are getting behind the wheel

Meanwhile, Warwickshire Police said: "No sentence can undo the damage to Amelia's life.

"This Christmas, don't let a night out turn into a lifetime of regret.

"Our officers will be out in force as part of Op Limit, the national drink and drug driving crackdown.

"Make the right choice — for yourself, your friends, and your family."