A motorist who nearly died after a van driver who was high on cocaine crashed into him has spoken about the life-changing injuries he has been left with.

Jason Nicholas spent two and a half weeks in an induced coma after the drug-driver veered into his path and caused a devastating head-on collision on the A32 near Alton on May 10, 2024.

After he was airlifted to hospital, doctors told Jason's partner, Selena, that it was unlikely he would survive the night.

The 53-year-old suffered numerous serious injuries, including broken arms, legs and vertebrae.

Jason Nicholas, 53, of Alton, during his recovery from his crash.
Jason Nicholas, 53, of Alton, during his recovery from his crash. (Hampshire Police)

He also suffered multiple strokes while in the induced coma, leaving him with impaired cognitive function that will affect him for the rest of his life.

Jason, from Alton, will require lifelong care because of his condition. He is unable to return to work as an aircraft fitter and can no longer enjoy the passions he had before the collision, such as riding his motorbike.

The driver of the van that caused the collision, 34-year-old Ben Talbot, of Southampton Road, Landford, near Salisbury, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court in March 2026 for causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drug-driving.

He was jailed for 32 months and, on his release, will be disqualified from driving for a further 46 months.

Some of the injuries Jason Nicholas sustained in a crash near Alton.
Some of the injuries Jason Nicholas sustained in a crash near Alton. (Hampshire Police)

Jason has now spoken publicly about his ordeal in the hope of highlighting the dangers of drug-driving.

He said: "I'm so, so angry, because his actions have changed my life forever.

"I used to go on motorbike rides with my partner Selena and I miss being able to do that.

"I don't understand how or why. Why did it have to be me?

"I'm so angry that he was a drug driver. It makes no sense why someone would do that. Now I have to live with what he's done.

"I hope my story stops another person from going through the same nightmare."

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the Fatal Five factors most commonly associated with fatal collisions. It can seriously impair decision-making, reaction times and hazard awareness.

Chief Inspector Emma Hart, of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit, said: "I would urge everyone to watch this video and listen to Jason bravely tell his story. This is the end result of one person making a selfish decision to get behind the wheel after taking drugs.

"It is life-changing. It is forever. Please don't ever drive under the influence or you could ruin someone else's life."

For more information about drug-driving and the law, visit the Hampshire Police website.