It was one wrong decision which left a lasting impact on Albany man Greg Cross.
More than four decades ago in New South Wales, 20-year-old Mr Cross left a party by car.
By his own admission he was too drunk to drive.
"I had a major car accident and ended up with a broken back," he said.
"I woke up two days later at Royal North Shore Hospital."
His car had ploughed into an embankment.
Mr Cross became a paraplegic and has used a wheelchair ever since.
He shared his personal story as part of National Road Safety Week.
Young drivers need to know they aren't bulletproof
"The accident was totally my fault," he said.
Mr Cross said the events of that night affected many.
"I shouldn't have been on the road at the time, because I'd had too much to drink," he said.
"And that decision was mine, it was the wrong decision.
"It certainly had a major impact, not only on me, but many others."
Mr Cross, who is married with two daughters and five grand children, said young people in particular needed to consider their actions behind the wheel.
"I've always been positive and I love life," he said.
Mr Cross said young people might look at him and think, 'Poor bugger', but they could be in his situation in the "blink of an eye".
"You're young, you're bulletproof, and you think you're invincible, thinking it'll never happen to me," he said.
"The road rules are out there to be obeyed.
"Just be patient with what you're doing because you've got a long life ahead of you."
