A mum has spoken of how a suspected drink driver “changed her life forever” after smashing into her car on the wrong side of the road.

Tanya Palmer, who was 22 weeks pregnant at the time, said it has left a lasting impact on her life.

“It’s a route I’ve driven loads of times before,” the Leeds resident said.

“A car came around the corner on the wrong side of the road and my first instincts were, ‘God, he’s going too quick’. And then I thought, ‘I’ve got nowhere to go’.

“I just gripped onto the steering wheel and that’s probably one of the last things I remember.”

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Tanya was taken to Leeds General Infirmary and treated for various cuts and bruises, including a major cut on her forehead and a dislocated shoulder.

She also suffered a torn deltoid ligament injury and still needs further surgery on one of her ankles.

Tanya’s baby boy arrived safely in the world later in 2021, but she is facing ongoing memory loss and speech issues.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Tanya Palmer shares a message for West Yorkshire Police’s #WYPTheCost campaign Tanya Palmer shares a message for West Yorkshire Police’s #WYPTheCost campaign (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

The driver involved was convicted of failing to provide a specimen and jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for three-and-a-half years.

Tanya has joined West Yorkshire Police’s #WYPTheCost campaign to warn people about the serious consequences of driving under the influence.

Inspector Chris Robinson, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “We talk a lot about the consequences and cost for the offender because it is their behaviour that we need to change, but Tanya’s story really brings it home the impact that drink and drug driving has on other innocent road users. 

“If you’re someone who sometimes drives while over the limit, then I would ask you to think how you would feel if you were involved in a collision with someone like Tanya.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Police shared this image of the crashPolice shared this image of the crash (Image: West Yorkshire Police)

“You might think you are fine to drive or ride your motorcycle after a few pints or taking drugs, but every day we are arresting people with exactly the same mindset.

“The small inconvenience of having to collect your vehicle the next day far outweighs being arrested and facing a conviction for a drink or drug driving offence.

“If a friend or family member is planning to drive whilst over the limit then please also remind them of the consequences and encourage them to reconsider their plans.”

West Yorkshire Police will be carrying out an increased enforcement in support of the national drink and drug drive operation co-ordinated by the National Police Chief’s Council.

The operation will run through until January 1, 2023, in time for the World Cup and Christmas party season.

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