As we approach the festive period, the seasonal warnings about the dangers of drink driving will be issued and appeals made for people to take care on the roads.
Everyone knows that driving under the influence of alcohol is extremely dangerous but sometimes we need a reminder of the devastation that can result from one person's decision to take a drink then get behind the wheel of a vehicle.
An appalling case heard at Downpatrick Crown Court yesterday set out in graphic detail the human cost of reckless, selfish and irresponsible behaviour.
Before the court was Emmet Peter Christopher Magee, a 33-year-old from Sylvan Street in Belfast.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to four counts of causing grievous bodily injury by driving dangerously on the Bryansford Road in Newcastle, taking his mother's car without consent, dangerous driving, driving while unfit and other charges, on May 31 last year.
The court heard that Magee was more than twice the legal alcohol limit when he overtook a van at 70 mph on a bend, crashing into an oncoming Ford Mondeo driven by a student nurse whose two friends were passengers.
In what was described as a 'scene of utter devastation', the three people in the Ford along with Magee's girlfriend, who was in the Volkswagen Golf he was driving, suffered multiple, severe injuries.
The four victims had to be cut from the wreckage while Magee was able to get out of the Golf, clambering over his girlfriend, who was struggling to breathe.
This crash has been traumatic for all the injured and impacted on the academic careers of two of the victims, who have been unable to continue with their studies.
As the judge pointed out, Magee, who was previously given a suspended sentence for dangerous driving, has inflicted enormous damage on four people.
By any standards, this was a shocking case which Judge Piers Grant determined required a substantial sentence.
Given the horrifying circumstances, a lengthy jail term is certainly justified.
Thankfully there were no fatalities in this collision although the victims have seen their lives changed enormously as a result of one man's conduct.
However, every year on our roads, people are killed or seriously injured because of drink driving or due to factors such as speed, inattention or carelessness.
So far this year, 51 people have lost their lives on the roads in Northern Ireland and while the total is slightly down on last year, there can be no complacency about this important safety issue.
We are all well aware of the dangers that exist.
This Christmas, anyone tempted to drink and drive should reflect on the potentially catastrophic consequences, for them and for others.
