The sister of a man who was killed along with his passenger in a car crash in Bath has issued a warning about the dangers of drink-driving and talked about the devastating effect on her family.
Paula Barham, from Patchway near Bristol, has been speaking on the day that Avon and Somerset Police have launched their summer Operation Tonic drink and drug driving campaign.
She said: “My message to anyone who’s even thinking about having a few drinks and then driving is – just don’t do it. My brother took the risk and paid for it with his life and the life of his best friend.”
Neil Barham, 30, from Bath was killed in October 2008 when his car collided with a lorry on the A4 at around 2.30am.
His passenger, his 29-year-old cousin Marc Warman, who also lived in Bath, was critically injured and died later at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol. He left three children.
Today Paula said that the deaths had been avoidable and urged all drivers to think long and hard about the consequences of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.
She also called for a change in the law to make the drink-drive alcohol limit zero.
She said: “My brother and Marc had been out for a drink after work. They decided to get a taxi home, but were turned away because they had some takeway food with them. So he decided to take a chance and drive himself – a very bad choice.
“It has had a terrible effect on our families. My mother’s health has deteriorated – I don’t think she will ever get over the grief of losing two people she loved so much.
” I hope that people will take notice of our story and think again if they even consider taking a gamble and getting behind the wheel after a few drinks. Think about your family, your parents and children. Think about the possible consequences.“
