A routine journey turned into a moment of extraordinary courage when 12-year-old Zac Howells took decisive action to prevent a potentially fatal accident after his mother lost consciousness behind the wheel. The incident, which occurred on 14 December 2024, has since drawn widespread attention after a recording of the emergency call revealed the calm and clarity with which the young boy handled a life-threatening situation. Zac’s actions not only ensured the safety of both occupants of the vehicle but also highlighted how presence of mind, even at a very young age, can make the difference between disaster and survival.
Zac was travelling as a passenger when his mother, Nicola, suddenly fainted while driving. With her foot still pressing the accelerator, the vehicle continued moving without control. What followed was a sequence of actions that emergency responders and police have since described as exceptional. From attempting to wake his mother to safely steering the car off the road and calling emergency services with precise information, Zac demonstrated a level of composure far beyond his years.
The Moment Everything Changed on the Road
The incident unfolded without warning. Nicola Howells was driving when she unexpectedly lost consciousness, leaving the car moving forward with no active control. Her foot remained on the accelerator, a detail that significantly increased the danger, as the vehicle continued to gain momentum. In such situations, even a brief delay can result in a serious collision, particularly if the car veers into oncoming traffic or fails to respond to road conditions.
Seated beside her, Zac quickly realised something was wrong. His first instinct was to try to wake his mother, calling out to her and attempting to rouse her from her faint. When it became clear that she was unresponsive, he understood that immediate action was required. Despite his age and the frightening circumstances, Zac did not panic. Instead, he made the critical decision to take control of the vehicle himself.
Grabbing the steering wheel, Zac focused on slowing the car down and guiding it away from danger. He steered the vehicle towards a grass verge, a choice that helped reduce speed by increasing resistance and avoiding hard obstacles. This decision alone significantly lowered the risk of a high-impact crash. Eventually, the car came to a stop without colliding with other vehicles or roadside structures.
A 999 call captures the moment a 12-year-old boy called emergency services after steering a car to safety when his mother fainted behind the wheel.
— The Independent (@Independent) January 17, 2026
Zac Howells took control of the vehicle after his mother, Nicola, lost consciousness with her foot remaining on the accelerator.
Zac… pic.twitter.com/BAQj1Yt7Kv
Once the vehicle was stationary, Zac took the additional step of switching off the engine, ensuring that the car could not move again unintentionally. These actions, carried out in sequence and under immense stress, reflected not only bravery but also a remarkable level of situational awareness. At no point did he abandon the situation or freeze, responses that are common even among adults in emergencies.
A Calm Voice on the Other End of the Line
After bringing the vehicle to a halt, Zac immediately reached for his phone and dialled 999. The emergency call, which has since been shared publicly, captures the composed manner in which he communicated with the call handler. Speaking clearly and calmly, Zac explained that his mother had fainted and that he had managed to stop the car. Importantly, he was able to provide the exact location of the vehicle, a detail that greatly assisted emergency services in responding quickly.
The call handler remained on the line as officers were dispatched to the scene. Throughout the conversation, Zac followed instructions carefully and answered questions accurately. His tone remained steady, reflecting an understanding that staying calm was essential. For emergency responders, such clarity from a caller is invaluable, particularly when time is critical.
Police officers arrived shortly afterwards and found both Zac and his mother safe. Nicola regained consciousness, and it was confirmed that neither of them had suffered injuries during the incident. The outcome stood in stark contrast to what could have happened had the situation been handled differently. A moving car with an unconscious driver represents one of the most unpredictable and dangerous scenarios on the road, yet through Zac’s actions, the risk was effectively neutralised.
The recording of the call has since been praised by emergency services professionals, who noted that Zac did everything correctly under extraordinary pressure. His ability to remain focused, provide clear information, and follow guidance exemplified exactly what emergency operators hope for in such calls, regardless of the caller’s age.
Recognition, Bravery, and a Powerful Example
In recognition of his actions, West Mercia Police awarded Zac Howells a Chief Constable’s Commendation for bravery. Such commendations are reserved for individuals whose actions go beyond what would normally be expected, particularly when they place themselves in challenging or dangerous situations to protect others. For a 12-year-old to receive this honour underscores the exceptional nature of what Zac did that day.
Police officials described Zac’s response as instinctive yet highly effective, noting that his quick thinking prevented a situation that could easily have resulted in serious injury or loss of life. The commendation also served as a public acknowledgment of the role that ordinary members of the public, including children, can play in emergency situations when they act decisively and responsibly.
Beyond the formal recognition, the incident has resonated widely because it challenges assumptions about age and capability. Zac did not have formal driving training, yet he was able to understand the immediate priorities: slow the car, move it to a safer place, stop the engine, and call for help. His actions were guided by logic and awareness rather than fear, demonstrating how critical thinking can emerge even in moments of extreme stress.
The story has also sparked broader conversations about emergency preparedness and the importance of teaching children basic responses to crisis situations. While no one expects a child to take control of a moving vehicle, Zac’s experience shows that understanding how to seek help, communicate clearly, and remain calm can have life-saving consequences. It also highlights the vital role of emergency call handlers, whose guidance and reassurance support callers through some of the most difficult moments they may ever face.
For Nicola Howells, the outcome was a profound relief, and for Zac, the incident became a defining moment of courage. While he has been praised as a hero, the events of that day reflect something even more fundamental: a willingness to act when it mattered most. In steering the car to safety and calmly reaching out for help, Zac Howells transformed a sudden medical emergency into a story of bravery, presence of mind, and quiet heroism that will be remembered far beyond the roadside where it unfolded.