A young boy from the United Kingdom has gained widespread admiration for his remarkable quick thinking during a terrifying incident last year when his mother collapsed while driving. Zac Howells, who has recently turned 13, skilfully guided their car to safety on a busy highway, demonstrating remarkable composure in a life-threatening situation.
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On December 14, 2022, Zac and his mother, Nicola Crump, were en route to Wellesbourne Market, travelling at approximately 60 mph when Nicola began to feel ill. “I started to feel hot,” she recounted. “I told Zac, ‘I don’t feel well. I think I’ve got to pull over.’” After pulling the car over, Nicola experienced a fainting spell, causing her leg to inadvertently push down on the accelerator, resulting in the vehicle continuing to move.
In a harrowing turn of events, Nicola regained consciousness on the other side of the road, disoriented and unaware of what had transpired. “I asked, ‘Have we crashed?’” she recalled, to which Zac calmly responded, “Yeah, Mum, but we’re fine. Don’t worry.”
For Zac, the moment was filled with panic and fear. “When my mum passed out and the car started to speed up, I began to scream and panic,” he shared. However, recognising the seriousness of the situation, he managed to regain his focus. “I calmed down and switched on,” he continued. Zac was able to steer the car towards the median, bringing it to a halt before contacting emergency services at 999.
Once the car came to a stop, Zac felt a wave of relief but was understandably shaken. Nicola remembers how trembling her son was when she finally came to. “I think it was adrenaline and shock; he hadn’t really processed what had happened,” she reflected.
Upon the arrival of paramedics, it became clear that Nicola’s health was in jeopardy as they discovered her blood pressure was dangerously low. Following their assessment, she was advised to consult a doctor. “The ambulance crew took us to a nearby Starbucks while the police arranged for my car to be moved to safety,” she recounted, noting the emotional impact on the staff there when they learned of the incident.
Months have passed since the alarming episode, and while Nicola is preparing for an upcoming cardiology appointment to determine the cause of her fainting, Zac has mostly returned to his regular routine. He described school as “not too bad,” and enjoys engaging in sports and spending time with friends. Though he appreciates the attention he has garnered, his mother acknowledges that it can be tiring at times.
Zac has enjoyed several opportunities stemming from the incident, including interviewing the cast of Spider-Man earlier this summer. Recently, he was awarded the Child of Courage at the 2026 Pride of Britain Awards—an announcement which left Nicola in tears. Initially believing he was participating in a documentary, Zac was taken by surprise when English football star Jude Bellingham presented him with the award pitchside at Wembley Stadium.
The upcoming awards ceremony at Grosvenor House in London, taking place on October 19, is an event both mother and son are eagerly anticipating. “I think he’s looking forward to dressing up and looking sharp,” Nicola noted, adding that Zac sometimes doesn’t fully grasp the magnitude of these experiences because he is happiest when spending time with his friends.
In reflecting on their dramatic experience, Nicola emphasised the importance of discussions between parents and children regarding what to do in case an adult becomes unwell while driving. “If anyone could learn something from this, it might be to have that conversation,” she stated, highlighting the need for preparedness in such critical situations.
Zac Howells’ story has resonated with many, showcasing not only a child’s bravery in facing an emergency but also the importance of family communication in ensuring safety on the roads.