California Injury Blog
In 1991 John Henton won the Johnny Walker National Comedy Search and then he captured a coveted spot on the Johnny Carson show. In April of 1993, John Henton was cast, and lauded as a ‘break-out’ star, in the FOX-TV series Living Single starring Queen Latifah and Kim Fields Freeman. Then, came a starring role on “The Hughleys”.
However, in September 2000 Henton starred in his very own horror story when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident that destroyed his left eye socket, shattered both of his legs, broke nine teeth and ripped up his stomach. Henton, who had been drinking and doesn’t remember the crash, was driving at least 100 mph at the time of the accident, which happened shortly after he finished partying with friends and co-stars to celebrate the filming of “The Hughleys” Halloween segment. Henton’s injuries were so severe and deformed his features so badly that his agent went to Henton’s home to retrieve pictures to be used by plastic surgeons to rebuild Henton’s face.
A year later, in June of 2001, Henton, still hobbling around, had this to say: “There’s no time for a pity party. I have too much stuff to do.” As of 2006, it looks like Henton is still performing despite his horrible car accident. He calls his drunk driving accident his ‘wake-up call’.
Henton was one of the few involved in such a horrific crashto be lucky enough to “wake up.”
According to 21st Century Insurance, a number of dangerous myths about drinking and driving that badly need to be debunked:
Myth: As long as you stick to beer and wine, instead of hard liquor, you won’t get drunk.
Fact: One 12 oz. can of beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 12 oz. wine cooler contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 1/2 oz. of hard liquor.
Myth: If you have had too much to drink you will show visible signs of intoxication.
Fact: Your physical appearance can be misleading. Only one drink can impair your ability to drive safely. Motor skills and judgment are the first to be affected by alcohol consumption.
Myth: Drinking coffee will sober you up if you have had too much to drink.
Fact: Time is the only solution to intoxication. It takes approximately one hour to oxidize each drink consumed.
The truth is, whether you are hosting a Halloween party or a Christmas party, all party hosts have a responsibility to prevent friends and loved ones from becoming the next alcohol-related traffic-accident statistic. Before the get-together, designate a driver or plan to use public transportation, and never allow a guest to leave your party in the driver’s seat if he or she has been drinking.
If you drink at a party this Halloween, remember to catch a cab. Please do not drink and drive!
By: Carol J. Gibbons, J.D.