Barnsley wrong-way crash victim's no-drinking plea to drivers

A man who was seriously injured when his car was hit by a drunk driver going the wrong way up the A1 is backing a new anti-drink-driving campaign.

Matthew Arnold, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was travelling to work when the collision happened in the early hours of New Year's Day.

The 39-year-old was found unconscious and had to be freed from his vehicle.

He suffered a catalogue of injuries, including spinal fractures and a broken left arm, as well as a separated bowel.

Mr Arnold, who has a young family, is sharing his experience to support Op Limit - a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

"I hope it makes people think twice about taking risks," he said.

"Because of the actions of a drink-driver, I have been unable to return to work and still face many challenges to overcome my injuries.

"I hope that by sharing my experience, people will leave the car at home and do the right thing when it comes to using our roads safely."

Earlier this year, the driver involved was jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for three years.

He had previously pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink-driving.

Mr Arnold said he felt lucky to be alive, but said the crash had affected his ability to work and provide for his family

The crash happened near Tuxford in Nottinghamshire, with a Lexus travelling north on the southbound side hitting Mr Arnold's Vauxhall Corsa.

Describing the incident, he said: "The collision happened so quickly. One moment I was driving to work as normal and then the next thing there were headlights coming towards me. I didn't have time to react.

"At that moment, I knew life wouldn't be the same again. I've never experienced such pain and fear.

"When people talk about life flashing before your eyes, I now understand how that feels.

"In some ways I felt lucky to be alive, but I was worried about what the future would hold, how would I be able to work and provide for my family?"