State police conduct roadside safety checks

Posted: 05.31.2009 at 9:09 PM

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Dedicate check to local victim

Quincy, Ill.- Illinois State Police were out in full force late Saturday night in Quincy to help keep the roads safe. They hold roadside safety checks about once a month, but for Shelia Gibson, this one was special. This safety check was dedicated to her. Gibson became a victim of a traffic crash involving a drunk driver in 2002.

"The moment of the crash I knew I'd been hit, but I didn't know the injuries I'd sustained,' said Sheila Gibson.

Gibson and her family were shocked to learn that she was paralyzed from the waist down. But Sheila didn't let that stop her. It's now her mission to share her story, hoping to impact people's lives. Something Illinois State Police want to accomplish as well.

"I think the importance of having a dedicated roadside safety check is that we're not only trying to remove impaired drivers from the roadway, but we're also recognizing people who have become victims from drunk drivers," said Captain Patrick Staples with the Illinois State Police.

Recently drunk driving took the lives of two young Quincy students. Something Gibson has personal ties to. She told KHQA she knew Matthew Ruble, the 19-year-old accused of those deaths. She says because he knew her story, it was even more heartbreaking.

"I thought how could he, really after knowing what happened to me and spending time in my home...he's gonna spend a lot of time in prison. His life is taken along with those kids' life," said Gibson.

Gibson says although it may seem like people don't get the message of not driving under the influence, she hopes there will come a day when tragedies like hers aren't read in the paper.

"I hope people stop drinking and driving. It's simple. If you want to drink, great. I say drink, have a great time, party with your friends, just don't get in that vehicle," she said.

To help spread her message, Gibson speaks at victim impact panel in the community. By the way there were a total of 39 arrest Saturday night. Some of those included four DUI's. Nine other alcohol related arrests. 10 Seat belt violations, and three drug arrests. Five tickets were handed out for suspended, revoked or non-valid drivers licnese. There were three registration offenses, four criminal arrests, and one equipment violation.