A Houston mother is in critical condition after a Christmas Eve crash. Her family is urging people to avoid driving under the influence.
HOUSTON — A Houston family is sharing a plea as it deals with the aftermath of a Christmas Eve car crash that left their loved one in critical condition.
Delmi Martinez, a mother of two, was involved in the crash at the intersection of E. Little York Road and Airline Drive around 2 a.m. on December 24. The crash, which was captured on dash camera footage, shows Martinez’s car stopped at a red light with several others when a speeding gray Nissan suddenly slammed into her vehicle, spinning out of control.
Her family spoke with KHOU 11 and said Martinez has already undergone one surgery and has two more planned. They believe the driver who hit her was impaired at the time of the crash. While Houston police have confirmed the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) was tested, the results have not yet come back.
“Solo un milagro de dios puede salvar a mi hermana ahorita esta en operacion.”
“Only a miracle from God can save my sister,” a family member said. “Right now, she’s in surgery.”
Martinez’s family is warning others as New Year’s celebrations approach.
“Tengan cuidado con tanta gente que anda ebria, drogada.”
“Be careful with so many people that are drunk or high,” they said, urging drivers to think twice before getting behind the wheel.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), 37% of fatal crashes on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day involve impaired drivers. Sheila Lockwood, an MADD ambassador who lost her son in a drunk driving crash, said it’s crucial to plan ahead and take precautions when heading home from celebrations.
“These drunk driving crashes happen to everyone at every age,” Lockwood said. “The impact they have on families is devastating and never goes away.”
As Martinez continues to fight for her life, her family has started a fundraiser to help cover her growing medical bills. They’re asking for support as this mother of two faces an uncertain road ahead.
In response to the holidays, local law enforcement agencies are stepping up efforts to catch impaired drivers. Harris County has launched a DWI initiative, increasing police presence on the roads to help prevent crashes like the one that forever changed the Martinez family’s holiday.
The Martinez family was using GoFundMe to help with medical bills and expenses.