Drive Sober, Drunk Kills

Growing up, one rule we should have all been taught to follow is to never get behind the wheel while impaired and to never get into a vehicle with an impaired driver. However, not everyone takes these rules seriously and not everyone is aware of the consequences that come along with drunk driving. The consequences that follow drunk driving include charges ranging from misdemeanors to felony offenses, loss of driver’s license, extremely expensive fines, jail time, and even loss of life (Drunk Driving). Allow me to introduce my best friend since the fifth grade, Courney Groft, a victim of somebody who chose to drive drunk. When we first met she was a bright spirited, side pony, bow wearing cheerleader that everyone loved. Little did I know in the years to come that it would be because of Courtney that I found myself. If it wasn’t for her I truly would not be standing here today. Throughout the years of us growing up together Courtney had become more like a sister to me than a best friend. From vacationing on Chincoteague Island with her family for summers on end to visiting Disney together with mine, Courtney and I never stopped adventuring. Whether it was an old abandoned house or a hike to see some waterfalls we were constantly finding something new to do. I will never forget all of the memories that we have together; All the hugs, the laughs, the hard times and of course all the memories that I still could never tell my mom about, those ones will forever be my favorite. In middle school Courtney and I decided that we would be “partners in crime” for life. As we aged, partners in crime transformed into “twin flames” as we were constantly growing closer and playing such vitally important roles in each other’s lives and individual growth.

On October 29th, 2021 my world flipped upside down. At approximately 5:30pm my best friend in the entire world, Courtney Groft, had her life taken by a careless drunk driver. However, we would have no idea that this is how she crashed until nearly a full year later when someone finally came forward to report a second vehicle had been involved in her accident. Originally when police showed up at Courtneys parents home, they were sure that it had been a one vehicle accident. It was a terribly rainy day, gloomy as ever, when she was on her way to volleyball practice for Penn State York Volleyball as they were preparing to head to state finals the following weekend. Courtney lost control of the vehicle, everyone assumed she must have hydro planned due to the weather. While driving her mom’s four wheel drive Subaru, she slid into somebody’s front yard, the tire tracks were visible for nearly 30 feet before the car was abruptly stopped by a telephone pole. Courtney was declared brain dead at the scene but kept on life support until the following day when organ donations could be completed. Losing my best friend, having her presence, advice, and love all ripped away from me in seconds was indescribable, unlike any pain I have ever experienced.

Something never sat right with us or quite made sense about Courtneys accident. It was not until this past October of 2022 that an investigation was reopened regarding what everyone assumed to be a one vehicle accident. She crashed in an old couple’s front yard while they were sitting on their front porch. According to the man, no police ever asked them any questions regarding the accident and they were unaware that everyone was under the impression that it had been a one vehicle accident. According to eyewitnesses, including other neighbors on the street, Courtneys vehicle was clipped head on by a two tone pickup truck, causing her to swerve into the grass and lead her towards the telephone pole. According to the couple, the truck even stopped. In the truck was described to be a white middle aged man, who seemed to be panicked and in distress. He got out of his pickup truck, approached Courtneys vehicle, saw what he caused, and fled the scene. To this day, nobody knows who did it. My best friend was taken from this earth at the young age of 19, undeserving, unknowing, and unprepared for what was heading towards her. At this point, it is believed that the driver was intoxicated and fled the scene in order to avoid potential DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges. The man responsible is still a mystery, one that eats me alive as I hope it does him.

My experience with losing Courtney is all too common across America. Every single day people experience what I went through. Every single day somebody gets the news that their loved one’s life has just been taken due to another person’s selfish mistake. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 28 individuals die in drunk driving accidents across the United States every single day . After calculating the average, that adds up to more than 10,000 deaths due to drunk driving. 10,000 lives that could have been saved, 10,000 accidents that could have been prevented, and 100,000s of people affected by the aftermath of losing their loved one. In fact, alcohol is a leading factor in traffic related accidents in 2022, killing one person every 52 minutes. Bottom line is that this is a fixable, preventable, and urgent issue facing us today. Drunk driving kills, and there is no end in sight. Together, we can put an end to this pandemic and turn drunk driving statistics around for a better future.

I will forever be thankful for all of the memories Courtney and I made together, thankful for all the times she has been my shoulder to cry on, for the times that she was there to pick me back up, and all the special happy moments we shared in between. I truly feel like Courtney has been there for me through it all, nobody knows me better than that girl does. I will always cherish the friendship Courtney and I shared, until we meet again. Our time was far too limited and I will never have it in my heart to forgive whoever it was that did this to her. I hope someday the person responsible feels the need to come forward and confess his mistakes. In the meantime, I can only spread information and hopefully educate others on how serious the consequences to drunk driving are. Always call a ride home, never get behind the wheel impaired, and never get in the car with someone else who is under the influence. This could save so many innocent lives, including yours.