A family’s tragic loss has sparked a campaign for change in driving laws following a horrifying crash that claimed the life of their beloved son. Ben Rogers, a teenager from Birchgrove in Swansea, lost his life in a car accident caused by dangerous speeding. The driver, Owain Hammett-George, was sentenced to six years in prison for causing the fatal crash which also resulted in the death of another young person, Kaitlyn Davies, and serious injuries to Casey Thomas.
The Rogers family, along with many other families who have experienced similar heartbreaking losses, have united to advocate for stricter laws for young drivers in the UK. This movement gained momentum as they handed a petition signed by 100,000 people to Downing Street. The petition calls for the implementation of graduated driving licences for newly qualified drivers, a system already in place in several other countries.
Carla King, Ben’s mother, highlighted the urgency of the issue by emphasising the preventable nature of such tragedies. She stressed the importance of introducing measures like a minimum learning period for new drivers and restrictions on carrying young passengers. The petition also suggests equipping cars with safety tools and imposing penalties for violating the rules of the graduated licensing system.
Despite initial resistance from the government, with the future of roads minister Lilian Greenwood stating no plans for graduated licences, support for the campaign is growing. MP Carolyn Harris has backed the petition, recognising the potential to save numerous young lives through these proposed changes. The statistics provided by road safety charity Brake underscore the necessity of addressing the disproportionate risks young drivers face on the roads.
Carla King expressed confidence that their efforts will eventually lead to significant legislative changes, drawing parallels with previous safety regulations like mandatory seatbelts. The campaign has garnered support from various quarters, including the AA, which advocates for restrictions on young drivers carrying passengers of a similar age for a specific period after passing their test.
The AA estimates that implementing graduated driving licences could substantially reduce road accidents involving young drivers and save lives. Despite previous considerations by the UK Government in 2019, the assessment was paused due to concerns about potential impacts on young people’s employment. Acknowledging the pressing need for road safety measures, the Department for Transport indicated ongoing efforts towards developing a new road safety strategy.
The touching stories and advocacy of families who have experienced tragic losses in road accidents carry a poignant message about the importance of road safety reforms. Through their perseverance and determination, they aim to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of young drivers and passengers on UK roads. As the campaign for graduated driving licences gains momentum, the hope for meaningful legislative changes continues to grow, driven by the shared passion and unwavering dedication of these families.