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By Justin Hanson - bio | email | Twitter | Facebook
GIBSON COUNTY, TN (WMC-TV) - Drinking and driving almost claimed the life of a rising Tennessee tennis star.
15 years later, Blake McMeans has moved from the tennis court into classrooms, teaching adults and students about the dangers of drinking and getting behind the wheel.
"I was on my way home and I hit a tree and flipped three times," he said.
On November 13, 1994, McMeans - the number four high school tennis player in the nation - nearly lost his life after driving drunk.
"If anyone was with me, they'd be dead because the whole passenger side of my car was crushed in," he said.
After years of physical therapy, McMeans is now able to get up and out of his wheelchair.
He's says he's traveling the state spread his message to students with the hope that his story might save a life. "Saving one person because that person will save someone else."
Anti-drug advocates say drunk driving is happening at an earlier age than in previous years.
"According to information we have, there are some as young as 10-years-old that are drinking alcohol," sid Rhonda Casey with Citizens of Action in Gibson County.
McMeans is getting ready to start a nationwide speaking tour. To find out more, just click here.
You can also click here to view Blake McMeans' Facebook page.
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