8 - Sunday, January 11, 1987 - North Shore News Local students warned of drinking ¢ and drivin iF YOU think you'll never be affected by a drunk driver, chances are you're wrong. By KIM PEMBERTON News Reporter Former Washington State Trooper) Michael Buckinghant should know. In April, 1981, Buckinghan’s life was to change forever after he pursued a drunk driver. An accident resulted, causing Buckinghans's patral car to burst into flames. He suffered second and third degree burns to 47 per cent of his body. Speaking to a group of Carson Graham Secondary students Wed- nesday, Buckingham, 32, said most likely half of the students would be involved with a drunk driver at some time in their lives. “You need to make a personal commitment not to drink and drive or not to cide with someone who drinks and drives," he said. Buckingham told them of a three-car collision in ’81, He said it involved 21-year-old Brian, who had been drinking that day at a local tavern; 22-year-old Don, who knew the danger of drinking and driving, but nonetheless became a victim of a drunk driver; and himsetf, in pursuit of the drinking driver, ‘*Brian tried to outrun a cop car. He crosses over to the oncoming lane and side-swipes Don's car. Don’s car, spinning out of control, crosses into the other lane of traf- fic. Within seconds of the first col- lision there’s another, and a patrol car slams into a power pole.’’ Both Brian and Don survived, suffering minor injuries. But, he said, today they're still trying to deal with the emotional stress caused by the accident. ‘*Because of those alcohol im- paired decisions, you’re reliving those nightmares,"’ Buckingham said. ‘‘Brian couldn’t live with the guilt and pain. He started drinking more and three times he’s tried to kill himself."" Don's family has also been torn apart in the aftermath of the acci- dent, said Buckingham. Don’s father died recently and his wife and two children left him. “The sad thing is the three of us aren’t any different than anyone else,’’ said Buckingham. ‘We all thought it would hap- pen to someone else.’’ Buckingham also spoke at other North Shore high schools last week. His visit was co-sponsored by th: North Vancouver RCMP and ICBC. PANNELL KERR A Chartered Accountants - NEWS photo Mike Wakeflatd FORMER WASHINGTON State Trooper Michael Buckingham shares his eaperience as the victim of a drunk driver with students from Carson Graham Secondary School Wednesday. Buckingham visited all of the North Shore high schools, after an invitation to speak locally by the North Vancouver RCMP and ICBC. ‘5, Church ( na . A058 Rasewood Drive, arn Vanco ver: Barristers & Solicitors are pleased to announce that Shelley Williams has become associated with their firm and that as of January 1st 1987 the firm will be known as: SLADE & COMPANY Barristers & Solicitors #214-255 West Ist St. North Vancouver, B.C.. V7M 3G8 985-4121 George B. Rush Janet E. Slade Shelley Williams General Practice of Law It You're Injured... in an automobile accident or slip and fall, you may be entitled to: ¢ recovery of lost earnings * compensation for pain & suffering * payment of medical and other expenses Hi At Stein & Co. we'te on your side. Working to ensure your rights are fully pro- tected. Call us. The first consultation ARRISTERS & SOLICITORS Charles G. Stein Ste 305, MO West 16th Street. 984-9528 RO North Vancouver, BC. V7M IR WITH. ANY 1.C.B.C. CLAIM 4 If you have an 1.C.B.C. Collision Claim, we will paint your entire ® car with our Congressional Paint Service (valued at $179.95) LIMITED TIME ONLY EXPERT BODYWORK ¢1.C.B.C. CLAIMS RUST REPAIR HOURS Mon.-Fri. 8am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 2pm 945 West ist North Vancouver (Next to Beaver Lurnber) 984-4111 @& put your waste on a diet GS RECYCLE “/o- SKIS ¢ ¢ BINDINGS ¢ e BOOTS ¢ FASHION. SALE CONDUCTED BY 4 vi Hage ski shop 1845 Marine Drive, West Vancouver 926-7547