Family warns of drunk driving dangers after son’s death

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - On May 30, 2020, Stacie and Jason Brayfield got the call that no parent ever wants to receive.

Their son, 22-year-old Preston Brayfield, was hit and killed by a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content nearly four times the legal limit.

Since then, the Brayfields have advocated for awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.

“Our mission now is to just educate people as much as we can that don’t drive impaired,” said Stacie Brayfield.

Brayfield emphasizes the many options for getting places other than behind the wheel yourself.

“Any type of impaired driving is just not worth it,” she explained. “In today’s world with all the Lyfts, the Ubers, there’s so many taxis, buses, your friends. Stay where you’re at, plan ahead.”

Preston’s three younger brothers are now teenagers, and Stacie said she makes sure their friends know how important it is to never get behind the wheel drunk.

“We’re trying to educate the kid’s friends like, please, please be responsible,” she said. “No matter how mad you think your parents are going to be, trust me, they would rather be coming to get you and pick you up than receive the call that Jason and I did.”

Brayfield said drunk driving accidents aren’t accidents.

“An accident would be a medical condition that happened, weather, or car failure. Those would be accidents,” she said. “But when you get behind the wheel, and you have been drinking or using drugs or something, and you get behind it, that is a choice that you make.”

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