DIRE warnings about the risks of drink-driving have become as much a part of Christmas as Noddy Holder.

Sadly, statistics suggest we are becoming inured to the message. Convictions in North Yorkshire are on the increase.

Tonight's story may shake us out of our complacency. It is more shocking than any TV ad campaign.

Kevin Lane was described as a thoughtful, caring and intelligent young man. Even Judge Paul Hoffman described him as "thoroughly decent".

He should have been looking forward to a fun holiday with family and friends. Instead he woke up in jail today, day one of a four-year sentence.

Because of Lane's stupidity, 19-year-old Laura Collingwood will never see another Christmas. Her grieving family are facing up to their first without her.

Lane's moment of madness demonstrates how lethal it is to mix alcohol and driving. Sober and sensible as he set out for the night, he left his car at home.

Later, alcohol-fuelled bravado saw him insist that he could do a better job than his friend driving to a nightclub. This same false confidence led him to drive recklessly. Judgement and reactions blurred by drink, he crashed the car.

Laura, her whole life ahead of her, was killed. In the same instant Lane's future was ruined.

We should heed his words: "I hope people around me will look at me and be put off from ever doing a similar thing."

Updated: 11:21 Tuesday, December 21, 2004