The DUI Experience (Don't Underestimate the Impact)

tely twenty-seven people a day being killed as a result of drunk driving. Most people are in denial about the large number of people who consume alcohol and drive under the influence. On January 12, 2003, Ryan Hilliard experienced the horror and severity of such an incident when he awoke to learn that not only his life but the lives of many others had been changed forever. What began as a typical night of drinking and partying for the young high school football star quickly turned tragic in just a split second. Ryan and his two best friends were out having a good time when they made the decision to drive while intoxicated. After finally deciding to call it a night, Ryan and his friends headed for home... only they never made it there. Although Ryan narrowly escaped death, he would later learn that his best friend, Matt Bowen, had not. Ryan awoke seventeen days later from a coma to a nightmare that was all too real. Crushed and inconsolable upon being informed of the details of the crash, he laid motionless, broken and frail in a hospital bed for several months. Faced with the greatest challenge of his life, Ryan considered giving up. With his family by his side, something from within told him there was a reason for his survival. Although he beat the odds and survived to tell his story, Ryan continued to struggle as he attempted to cope with not only the physical pain of the accident but also the emotional pain of losing his best friend and being charged with vehicular manslaughter. He turned to prescription narcotics to escape the nightmare he was living. Instead of having this tragic accident be an end to his life, Ryan has transformed this incident into a new beginning, impacting and educating others to prevent similar mistakes. He now lives by the following motto; “Life is not so much about what has happened, but more about what you DO about what has happened.” Telling his story is what happens next for Ryan. And what a story he tells...

Today, Ryan tells his life changing account of events to a broad range of audiences across the country, ranging from High Schools to United States Military to Law Enforcement and much more. His story is told in a very honest, straightforward and shocking manner. He does not hold back; his story is ‘no holds barred’, as this is the only way it can be told. Ryan's story is a moving and emotional example of the likely consequences the effects of driving under the influence can cause. His story continues to develop as his journey through recovery continues to evolve and customizes his presentations to include other important related issues such as depression, addiction, su***de & self-harming to best suit his audiences. Ryan continues to fight and has inspired many to face their own challenges in life with new confidence and strength. His positive outlook on life has motivated thousands to appreciate life in a new profound way and his eager ability for telling such an emotional and personal experience to save and change the lives of as many as he can has lead him into the developmental stages of authoring his first novel based on his experiences and his organization “The DUI Experience: Don’t Underestimate the Impact.” He has coined this acronym to show how an incident such as his accident not only effects those directly involved but the lives of so many more. Ryan is committed and dedicated to expanding and growing his organization to be a fully functioning non-profit to continue to raise alcohol prevention awareness and help others. For more information about booking Ryan, you may contact him at [email protected] or at (714) 313-9858. He is available to discuss speaking opportunities as he is constantly seeking new audiences to share his message.