In what is undoubtedly one of the most powerful and heart wrenching safety adverts ever made, the human fallout from drink-driving is laid bare.

You’ve probably seen the advert. It features Gillian and Ronan Treacy, the grieving parents of Ciaran, who was killed by a drink-driver at the age of just four. But other voices are also featured, the voices of those who tried to save Ciaran in the immediate aftermath of the accident. Garda Sgt Dave Lynam, who arrived at the scene of the crash, nurse Mary Joyce, Christy Kelly, lead paramedic, and Patrice O’Connell, ICU nurse.

“Crashed lives” is the title of the advert. And it is so appropriately named. “Never, ever drink and drive” is the simple message.

On today’s Liveline, Joe Duffy spoke to some people who have, in the past, been convicted of drink-driving, and who have been affected by this advert.

“My heart breaks for Gillian and her family. I saw her on the Late Late Show. I have so much admiration for her ad. Their lives are destroyed. If I did that anybody, I have no idea what I would do.”

The words of Caroline, a former alcoholic, convicted in early 2015 of driving under the influence of alcohol and banned from driving for three years.

Caroline says she started drinking at the age of 18, just socially, but gradually became a 'home drinker'. The drinking increased after the death of her brother, 20 years ago, and she gradually descended into alcoholism. The day she was caught drinking and driving, she had almost arrived home, a far from rare occurrence. Now, as a member of AA, she hasn’t had a drink in almost 2 years.

“I don’t blame my alcoholism for my behaviour. I did it. I don’t ever remember saying to myself, 'you shouldn’t be getting into the car'. I just got in, I came home.”

Caroline spoke very honestly and frankly about the cravings she got when she was an alcoholic, describing how all other considerations would disappear from her mind when she needed a drink. And for people who have those problems now, her message is quite simple. If you are going out, just leave the car at home. Simple as that. Do not give yourself the opportunity to sit behind a wheel.

“I am so sorry for drink-driving. I regret it. I’m so glad I didn’t kill or hurt anybody… I don’t know that I will never drink again. But I know I will never get into a car with drink on me.”

Caroline says she lives her life one day at a time at the moment, but it is unquestionably better since she has given up alcohol. She can now enjoy Christmas, and remember all the happiness clearly, without the fog of alcohol.

To listen to the full show, click here.