Quick-thinking 12-year-old Zac Howells saved his mother's life when she fainted at the wheel of their car while traveling at 60 mph. His mother, Nicola Crump, lost consciousness with her foot still on the accelerator as they drove to the Birmingham Christmas German Market. Zac managed to take control of the vehicle, slow it down, and steer it to safety, preventing a crash into a barrier.
Once the car came to a stop near the A40 in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, Zac turned off the engine and calmly made a 999 call, guiding emergency services to their location. Audio from the call captured Zac's composure as he explained the situation, expressing his fear but reassuring his mother once she regained consciousness. He comforted her, downplayed his own actions by saying driving was "really easy," and emphasized his concern for her well-being.
For his bravery and quick thinking, Zac was awarded a chief constable's commendation from the West Mercia Police. He met with the call-handlers and officers who assisted during the incident, which occurred on December 14. His mother expressed immense pride and gratitude for his actions and the recognition he received, while the chief constable commended Zac's magnificent calm and mature reaction in an extremely frightening situation, highlighting how his bravery averted danger to both occupants and the public.