This is the inspiring moment a hero 12-year-old saved his mother’s life by grabbing the wheel then calling for emergency services after she collapsed while driving in the neighboring country of England.
Quick-thinking Zac Howells managed to take control of Nicola’s car and steer it to safety—after she passed out behind the wheel while traveling at 60mph.
The 37-year-old lost consciousness, yet her foot remaining on the accelerator before Zac managed to slow the car down before hitting a barrier.
Once the vehicle had stopped on the A40 near Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, he switched off the engine and used the phone to call emergency services.
West Mercia Police has released an audio file of the call that shows Zac staying completely calm while directing call-handlers to their location—even though it was in Wales, across the border.
Zac can be heard saying, “I’m driving on a motorway and my mom 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. I’m really scared.”
Then, when Nicola regained consciousness, Zac told her, “It’s alright. Calm down, it’s fine. Hold my hand.
“Mum…” he said, continuing to soothe her… “Breathe.”
“I just drove the car. It’s really easy.” (Hear the call in the video below…)
Nicola repeatedly apologies as Zac continues to reassure her. “It’s fine, I’m worried about you—not me… I knew we were going to be fine.”
This week, Zac was commended for his bravery when the police department awarded him a Chief Constable’s Commendation.
He visited the force’s HQ in Worcester, meeting the call-handlers and officers who responded to the incident in December.
Nicola, from Wales, told the BBC she was “just so proud of him” and “so appreciative” of the effort that everyone made to create a “fuss” over Zac.
Nicola and Zac had been traveling from Wales to the Birmingham Christmas market when the drama unfolded.
During the award ceremony, Chief Constable Richard Cooper said:
“I am delighted to present Zac with this award today following what must have been an extremely frightening experience for such a young boy.
“For a 12-year-old to react in such a calm and mature manner is magnificent, and I would like to express my gratitude for his actions that day.
“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.”
HAIL THE YOUNG HERO – Share His Call on Social Media…