A 12-year-old boy from Wales has been hailed a hero after saving his mother's life when she lost consciousness while driving at 60mph on a busy road.
Quick-Thinking Actions Prevent Tragedy
The dramatic incident occurred on 14 December as Nicola Crump, 37, from Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, was driving her son, Zac Howells, to the Birmingham Christmas German Market. Without warning, Nicola fainted, her foot remaining on the accelerator as the car continued at speed.
Displaying remarkable presence of mind, Zac managed to take control of the vehicle. He steered it to safety, slowing it down before it collided with a barrier, bringing it to a halt near the A40 in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. He then switched off the engine and immediately dialled 999.
Calm Under Pressure: The 999 Call
West Mercia Police have released the audio of the emergency call, which showcases Zac's astonishing calmness. In the recording, he can be heard telling the call-handler: "Basically I'm driving on a motorway and my mum just fainted so I had to crash the car to stop. Her foot went down on the pedal and it started accelerating, so I had to crash into the barrier."
When asked if everyone was alright, Zac replied, "Well I mean, she's snoring, so I think she's okay. I dunno, I'm really scared." As his mother regained consciousness, the touching audio captures Zac reassuring her, saying, "Mum, it's alright. Calm down, it's fine. Hold my hand, you OK? Mum breathe." He even lightened the moment by joking, "No mum, it's fine. I just drove the car. It's really easy."
Recognition for Extraordinary Bravery
This week, Zac's incredible courage was formally recognised. He was presented with a chief constable's commendation by West Mercia Police Chief Constable Richard Cooper. Zac also had the chance to meet the call-handlers and officers who responded to the incident.
Chief Constable Cooper said: "For a 12-year-old to react in such a calm and mature manner is magnificent. His display of bravery certainly extinguished any danger to them both but also that of other members of the public who were on the road that day."
Nicola Crump told the BBC: "It's been incredible. I'm just so proud of him and I'm so appreciative of the effort that everyone has gone through to make such a fuss of Zac." Despite the accolades, Zac remained modest, stating, "Even to this day, I don't see it as a big deal but from other people's perspective it is."
