Brain damaged victim warns drivers on the dangers of drink and drug driving

A hard-hitting DVD, featuring 27 year old Ashley Cousins - who was paralysed following a dramatic car crash in 1998, near Trago Mills, Newton Abbot - has been launched as part of a road safety campaign by Devon County Council and the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, BIRT.

The DVD tells Ashley's story, by Ashley whose injuries mean that he now can't walk, talk or swallow food. He communicates with the use of special technology, tapping out his messages. Ashley's Grandmother, Joan Fathers, also features in the DVD.

Aged 16 at the time, Ashley was a passenger in a car that he and his friends stole on 27 December 1998. The driver of the car lost control, crashing into a roundabout near the Trago Mills store, Newton Abbot.

Ashley was left in a coma, suffering substantial injuries. Now he lives at The Woodmill, run by The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust, in Cullompton.

Ashley and Joan wanted to do something positive about their experience, and to use their story to warn others of the dangers of drink and drug driving.

They have teamed up with the County Council and BIRT to produce the DVD as part of a new safety campaign, which will be used as an educational resource.

The Council will use it as a training tool within schools, colleges and with hard to reach groups.

Grandmother Joan Fathers narrates the 19 minute film. She said:

"Ashley has long wanted to use his experience positively, to talk to young people about what happened to him. He has said that if he can save one life by telling his story then he'll be happy. Ashley is thrilled to be helping the campaign.

"Moving Ashley to Woodmill was the best move we could have made. The care there has been excellent," she added.

Devon County Council's Stuart Hughes, said:

"I'd like to thank Ashley, Joan and all the BIRT staff for making it possible for us to produce this powerful DVD.

"This DVD tells a moving story about a brave man. Its message to young people is about risk taking by young drivers and peer pressure, as well as about the importance of wearing seat belts. We want young people to think about their safety and others before they get into a car.

"The DVD is to raise debate within classrooms and to make young people more aware of the dangers of driving without care. It takes a hard look at the consequences of this type of life-changing event."

Lynn Turley, Service Director BIRT, said:

"Ashley is one of many of our service users who received their injuries from road collisions. The support he has received at The Woodmill means that Ashley has been able to fulfil an ambition to tell his story. Sadly, many of his youthful ambitions before his crash will never be realised. We hope that Ashley’s story will make teenagers will think twice before taking unnecessary risks which may result in a severe head injury.”