Video transcript
Impaired Driving is Impaired Driving
I think a lot of people like look at marijuana and alcohol very differently, and I, I really don’t think they should. Impaired driving is impaired driving. My name’s Stephanie Harvey, my oldest daughter is a deputy, and then I am a widow to my husband George.
Remembering George: A Joyful Life
George was a wonderful person. He was full of life, truly one of the most joyful people I’ve ever met. I was around four, so there is very few memories that I actually have. I think one of them is like playing, like hide and seek when I was younger.
The Phone Call That Changed Everything
I remember it was a beautiful Saturday. In October, I received a phone call from our sitter. George had been involved in an accident and he was airlifted, but he, he didn’t make it. The kid was intoxicated. I remember saying to the police officer, this can’t be happening. We have a 4-year-old, a 2-year-old. I’m 4-months pregnant.
The 20-Year Ripple Effect on Our Family
Although it’s been 20 years, it’s just really changed our lives forever.
From Tragedy to Law Enforcement: A Daughter’s Path
You know, I never knew that she wanted to be in law enforcement. The story of my dad’s what kind of inspired me. One day she ended up reaching out. I think she actually did a ride along with us and has been a deputy with us, for a year or two now. I’ve always wanted to help other people. The more I learned about doing DUIs and I started doing ridealongs and stuff like that and realized that I could really make a difference. You know, growing up, I always remember the commercials. Have a designated driver.
The Importance of a Designated Driver
Have that one person that is the designated driver that you can trust to get you home safely.
Having Hard Conversations with Your Children
I think as a parent, there’s hard conversations we have to have with our children. It’s extremely important to have those conversations with the kids. I think a lot of times as kids, they don’t see the accidents, haven’t seen those injuries. I have been to DUI crashes while working here, and it’s, I don’t like going to those at all.
The Impact on Both Families Involved
The person that killed, George was 19, so I can’t imagine being a mom and knowing that my 19-year-old did that. It’s not worth ruining your life or ruining someone else’s life. Don’t get in the car, don’t get behind the wheel.
Your Life is Too Precious to Lose
It’s truly not worth it. Your life is too precious for something terrible like that to happen.
George Harvey: Killed In A Cannabis Impaired Driving Accident
George Harvey was a dad, husband, and friend to many. One Saturday in October, his life ended because a 19-year-old chose to drive after getting high. George never made it home.
His wife, pregnant at the time, lost her partner. His daughters lost their dad forever.
When you drive high, it’s not just your life on the line. It’s someone’s family, someone’s future, that you are putting at risk. That’s why driving while high is one of the most selfish things you can do on the road.
The Harvey family never got another hug, another laugh, or another memory with George because someone else made the wrong choice.
Driving high isn’t safe. If you’re impaired, it is illegal to drive, and the consequences are real. If you’re high, don’t drive. Call a friend. Call a ride. Make the choice that saves lives.
