Celebrity Chef Duff Goldman Recovers After Crash Allegedly Caused By Drunk Driver: 'There's No Excuse'
Celebrity chef Duff Goldman opened up about his injuries after he says a drunk driver "swerved into his lane on a windy country road."
Goldman, known for his appearances on shows like 'Ace of Cakes' and 'Kids Baking Championship,' told PEOPLE that the car crash happened on Feb. 1.
Recounting the harrowing experience, Goldman remembered how he "was thinking about what kind of cake I was going to make for my daughter's birthday" before the impact.
"Next thing I knew I bleeding and surrounded by airbags. A drunk driver had swerved into my lane on a windy country road," he said. "After doing a systems check and finding that my only injury was to my hand, I thanked my lucky stars that I'd still be there to celebrate her third birthday even if I couldn't make her cake."
He went on to explain how he is doing "fine, but it's gonna be a long road to recovery, and for someone like me who makes a living with my hands, you can imagine that this is no joke."
Fun And Fit As A Family Sponsored By Carnival Featuring Goya Kidz Kitchen - 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Chef Duff Goldman prepares food at Fun and Fit as a Family sponsored by Carnival featuring Goya Kidz Kitchen during the 2015 Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE at Jungle Island on February 21, 2015 in Miami, Florida.
The 49-year-old went on to warn others against the dangers of driving while intoxicated.
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"There's no excuse for driving drunk. None. Uber, taxi, call a friend. No excuse," he said in a post on Instagram Sunday. "Stay safe friends, count your blessings. If you're drinking don't drive, and if you're driving, don't drink."
In post-crash emotions, he expressed how he was "pretty angry" when he checked on the other driver and detected alcohol on his breath. Reflecting on the close call, he remarked, "My daughter almost didn't have a dad because this guy was stupid."
Currently recovering at home with his family, the Food Network star emphasized the importance of hugs.
"I've been hugging my family a lot," he said. "I think they're getting sick of it. I just keep saying, like, 'Come here. Give me a hug real fast.' "
