Will you be killed by a drunk driver this holiday party season?

By Jamie Lynn Published: Dec 30, 2012 at 1:23 PM PDT Last Updated: Dec 31, 2012 at 11:36 AM PDT
KENT, Wash. - The holiday party season is ramping up - and so are DUI emphasis patrols across Western Washington.

And in Kent, a young man who almost lost his life because of a drunk driver has made it his mission to prevent people from getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.

Christopher Graham says he worries because it's that time of year for parties and celebrations. It's great that everyone wants to have a good time - but the key is to do it in a safe way, he says.

Graham was only 17 on Sept. 19, 2006, when his car was struck head-on by a drunk driver.

"I remember it like it was yesterday," he says. "It has been a struggle mentally and physically to get through such a traumatic event in your life at such a young age."

The woman who nearly killed Graham that night was sentenced to eight months behind bars back in 2007. She told the court she was sorry for what she had done.

Now, six years and 18 surgeries later, Graham still worries for others on the road.

"I was there once, and I never would have guessed it was going to be me," he says. "It only takes a second for somebody to swerve in front of you and end a life or hurt their own."

That's especially true during the holidays, when celebratory drinking is a tradition.

"Go somewhere where you can stay the night or plan somewhere to stay the night - get a ride - but it's not worth it, and its not worth somebody else's life - or your own life," says Graham.

At 22 years old - he often steps in where he sees danger.

"There's times where I've taken the keys from people and told them 'no,'" he says.

He does whatever he can do to prevent his own traumatic event from happening to someone else.

"It's definitely hard knowing it happens as much as it does because it can be prevented, and its easy to call somebody. Just call somebody instead of even risking it."

Signs on the roads around Western Washington warn that police are on the lookout for drunk drivers

Law enforcement officials say if you are planning to celebrate please be smart about it - don't drink and drive.