In loving memory of Joseph Morales

On March 1, 2009, my life has forever been changed by a drowsy driver. My husband and I were driving out to the country, to celebrate our oldest son’s 26^th birthday. We made plans to meet up with family first, for breakfast. I was the passenger and my husband, Joseph, the driver. The day was beautiful and I was excited about this special day. I remember starting my text message to family to meet for breakfast around 8 am or so when I felt this large thump – our vehicle had been hit from behind and we began to roll off the highway embankment. I felt busted glass and could feel blood dripping on me. The next thing I heard was “help is on it’s way.” Rescue came and used the jaws-of-life to pull me out and I was airlifted to University Hospital. I spent the next 23 hours in surgery due to multiple fractures and internal injuries. I, however, was the lucky one. My husband of 27 years died at the scene of severe head trauma. A young 23-year-old fell asleep after staying up all night at a party and then decided to drive home. This was a crash that could have been avoided; a “life” that could have been saved.

My husband was loved by many and no one was a stranger to him and I don’t want his death to have been in vain. Bringing awareness to the dangers of drowsy driving my husband’s memory will live on by the number of lives that can be saved. We are only one of many serious auto accidents and fatalities that occurred due to drowsy driving each year. Drowsy drivers put everyone at risk.

Let’s take this week to celebrate by getting enough sleep, not driving while impaired by alcohol or medications, and not letting our loved ones or friends drive drowsy. One life taken by Drowsy Driving is one too many. We can all make a difference.

Written by Emmy Morales, in loving memory of Joseph Morales.

Learn more about drowsy driving and ways to prevent it>