A man whose life was changed forever by a drunk driver has sent a Christmas plea to motorists: Don?t drink and drive.

Sebastian DeMorais? car was hit by a suspected drunk driver at 1.30 a.m. on January 30. The crash nearly took his life and caused him to lose the use of his right arm.

The impact of the collision on Middle Road, Warwick, near Belmont golf course, destroyed Mr. DeMorais? car. When Police arrived they arrested the other driver under the suspicion that he was drinking and driving.

Mr. DeMorais spent 32 days in the hospital and the last ten months going through painful physical therapy. His right arm was broken in three places and most of the nerves in his shoulder and upper arm were severed. Luckily one vital nerve was not severed and a subsequent surgery implanted steel plates which will hopefully, one day, restore the use of his arm.

So far Mr. DeMorais can only wiggle a few of his fingers, and this small act has taken months of physical therapy and an incredible amount of mental strength. The 52 year old does not know if he will ever be able to work again or do simple things like write.

The crash has caused a considerable amount of financial and emotional hardship on him and his family. He said it has been hard to re-adjust to life because he has had to relearn simple things like writing his signature with his left hand.

Moreover, he still wakes up every day with considerable pain and sometimes has splitting headaches caused by injuries he sustained to his head during the accident.

The young man who hit him is facing a criminal trial soon and Mr. DeMorais said he has shown little remorse for his actions.

He was pleased that Government erected a new flashing sign on East Broadway, shortly before the holiday season to remind motorists not to drink and drive.

However, Mr. DeMorais said too many locals drive after a night at parties or in bars, especially younger people. He hopes that by talking about his struggles people will stop and think before driving under the influence of alcohol.

?Please, please please don?t drink and drive this holiday,? he said.

?Watch how much you drink, take a taxi or get a friend to drive you home. People don?t realise what drinking and driving can do, it ruins lives.?