BOSTON -- With prom season under way, the number of alcohol related deaths among teens will increase nearly ever week. Alcohol related crashes are the major cause of traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors Reach Out To Teens

On Friday, two drunken drivers sent a message to teens hoping to save lives. News Center 5's Liz Brunner reported on their stories.

"I hit the wall and broke the windshield on my head. I was in an instant coma for six months. My blood alcohol level was .03. I was legally drunk," said KJ Haddad, a traumatic brain injury survivor.

"I remember when they had to cut the roof off my car to get me out," said Matt Rivet, a traumatic brain injury survivor.

Rivet and Haddad are real life examples of what happens when you drive drunk. Rivet was in his 20s. Haddad was 17. Their split-second decisions left a lasting impact on their lives.

"I haven't opened my hand since 1986. My left leg is almost dead," said Haddad.

"I think it was within 24 hours that I slipped into a coma," said Rivet.

Rivet and Haddad are among the 5 million Americans living with a traumatic brain injury.

"Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death among adolescents," said Dr. Karen Bougas, of New England Rehab Hospital. "Fifty percent of the traumatic brain injuries are alcohol related."

Bougas said brain injury survivors are often left with visible scars, like KJ who is wheel chair bound, and legally blind. But the disabilities are more than physical.

"It's the cognitive that affects the ultimate outcome of prognosis," Bougas said.

She said people have trouble concentrating, problem solving and returning back to their normal lives. Rivet admits having a tough time re-learning skills.

As Rivet and Haddad continue recovering at New England Rehab Hospital years after their crashes, they are dedicated to telling their stories in hopes of save lives.

"If you're going to a party, bring a designated driver. Limit yourself to the number of drinks you have so that you don't drive drunk and end up like me," Haddad said.

"Don't make the mistake that I did," Rivet said.