Mother speaks out against drunk drivers

DUI Story (Added: December 11, 2009)

A Lowcountry mother lost her three-year-old daughter because of a drunk driver, and after news that more people are getting arrested for drinking and driving, she's pleading for personal responsi ... (more)

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By Brooke Katz
Published: December 11, 2009

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In October of 2007, Kelly Heger was driving home from shopping with her six-year-old son and her three-year-old daughter, when a drunk driver slammed into their car. They were only about an eighth of a mile from their home.

"There are times I wish I would have stayed at home. Almost every time I wish I would have stayed at home."

Heger suffered a major gash to her arm, her son walked away with only a hurt knuckle, but her daugher, Kasey, died instantly at the scene. It's a memory a mom will never forget.

"I pass by and I have a mini-flash back. I'll hear the sound of the metal crunching. I'll relive the sound of my son saying Kasey's dead."

According to Highway Patrol, on any weeknight, one out of every 10 vehicles on the road has an impaired driver behind the wheel. On weekends, it's one out of every five. It's a statistic Heger hopes will change as she goes out and talks with first time offenders, taking with her pieces of that life cut tragically short.

"It feels good to share my story and to ahve a grown man who's amazingly only been caught once, cry and come up to me, and apologize to me."

Heger also has a heartfelt message for anyone who thinks they can drink and drive.

"It's more than yourself. Just don't do it."

Heger is working on getting involved with MADD. If you would like to get involved, you can contact:

Lt. Chip Searson, Community Action Site Leader
City of Charleston Police Department
180 Lockwood Blvd.
Charleston, SC 29403
email: Charleston.SC@madd.org
Phone: (843) 965-4084

For information on DUI laws and penalties, click the following link: http://www.scsoberorslammer.com/SC_laws.htm