SUSAN Cross, the nurse who has spoken of her shame at her drink-driving conviction, has shown courage in holding her hands up and saying 'I made a mistake' and telling her personal story in the hope that others will learn from her error and not risk taking to the road while over the alcohol limit.

She talks openly about the guilt she feels for drink-driving, especially because, as a nurse, she knows about the impact that drink-drive crashes can have on the victims and their families.

Some people will criticise Susan, no doubt, and say that she was reckless and deserves no sympathy, but everyone makes mistakes and it shows wisdom and bravery that she's willing to publicly admit her error and tell her story in the media, to warn others not to drink-drive.

Under the emotional strain of a marriage breakdown and bereavement, Susan made a huge error in judgment for which she has been punished in the courts.

But, in sharing her story in this newspaper, she may well save others from drink-driving and the consequences because they will remember her cautionary tale.