Nearly nine years after a devastating road crash changed the course of his life, Zach Nightingale has been reunited with the police, firefighters and ambulance workers who were among the first on scene.
The emotional reunion comes as Queensland Road Safety Week gets underway from August 17 to 21, providing a powerful reminder that the consequences of a serious crash can extend well beyond the moment of impact.
On December 16, 2017, Zach was riding a motorcycle along Drayton Wellcamp Road at Wellcamp when he collided head on with a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction.
The crash left Zach with life changing injuries including the loss of his right leg and left him facing a long road to recovery.
For Zac, it is a day he will never forget.
For the first responders who attended the crash, it is a memory that has remained with them too.
Senior Constable Matthew Stoyles was among the first police officers on scene and said seeing Zach again brought back memories of the circumstances they faced that day.
"Nearly nine years can pass, but when you are standing in front of someone you attended at a serious crash, those memories come back very quickly," Senior Constable Stoyles said.
"When you arrive at a crash, you never know what the outcome is going to be, or how profoundly that moment is going to change someone's life.
"To see Zach here today, nearly nine years on, and to see how far he has come, is incredibly meaningful for everyone who was involved."
For Zach, being reunited with the people who responded to his crash was an opportunity to reflect on how much has happened since that day.
"I remember that day quite vividly, and I'm extremely grateful that there were people willing to help me in my time of need. Knowing that these people stepped up and helped means an immense amount," Zach said.
"Seeing everyone again after nearly nine years is pretty emotional. These are people who saw me at one of the worst moments of my life, and I'm incredibly grateful they were there."
"I'm here today because people stopped, people helped, and emergency services came when I needed them."
Zach said he hoped sharing his story would encourage other road users to consider the consequences of their decisions behind the wheel or handlebars.
"You don't think a crash is going to happen to you until it does," he said.
"I'd encourage everyone to slow down, take care, not take risks on the road and be honest with themselves before they get behind the wheel or handlebars. The consequences can be much bigger than you ever imagine."
"If you don't want to be safe for yourself, take a moment and think of all the people you may or may not know who will be affected if something goes wrong."
Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said Zach's story was a powerful reminder that the consequences of road trauma reach far beyond the person involved in the crash.
"A serious road crash can change the trajectory of a person's life in an instant, but the effects don't stop when the road is cleared and emergency services leave the scene," Assistant Commissioner Vanderbyl said.
"Road trauma can have a lasting impact on the injured person, their family and friends, as well as witnesses, first responders and the broader community.
"Our police officers, firefighters and paramedics are often confronted with some of the most distressing consequences of road trauma. Those experiences can stay with them long after they have left the scene.
"Zach's story reminds us of what is at stake every time we use the road, and why every decision behind the wheel matters."
Queensland Road Safety Week, running from August 17 to 21, is an opportunity for all road users to reflect on the choices they make and the potential consequences of those choices.
For Zach and those who were there on the day, the reunion is a poignant reminder of just how far a person can come after a serious crash - and of the many lives that can be touched by a single moment on the road.
Senior Constable Stoyles said he hoped Zach's story would encourage everyone to consider the consequences of taking risks while driving or riding.
"None of us want to be called to another crash like this," he said.
"Every person on the road has someone who cares about them and wants them to make it home safely.
"Ultimately, that is what road safety is about - making the right choices so everyone has the chance to get home to the people who are waiting for them."
So far this year there has been 200 lives lost on Queensland roads. Of those, 37 lives have been lost across the Southern Region including 17 in Darling Downs District, 16 in Ipswich District and 4 in South West District.
From L to R: QPS Senior Constable Matthew Stoyles, QPS Darling Downs District Inspector Damien Wells, Acting Assistant Commissioner Enes Seferovic Southern Region QFR, QPS Southern Region Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl, QAS Officer in Charge, Toowoomba Station Peter Baron, Zach Nightingale and QAS Critical Care Paramedic Ben Lawson
Below images:
L to R: Photo 1 – QPS Senior Constable Matthew Stoyles Zach Nightingale and QAS Critical Care Paramedic Ben Lawson.
L to R: Photo 2 – Zach Nightingale and QPS Senior Constable Matthew Stoyles.
The Queensland Police Service is committed to reducing the number of lives lost on our roads. However, enforcement alone cannot stop all dangerous driving behaviours.
Every choice you make behind the wheel, matters. Driving under the influence, speeding, driving distracted or while fatigued, or not wearing a seatbelt puts your life – and the lives of others – at serious risk. These dangerous behaviours will not be tolerated.
Queenslanders can expect police – anywhere, anytime.
Road safety starts with you.
