A coroner is calling for new drivers to be banned from carrying passengers after a fatal crash claimed two young lives
Shelf: A coroner is making some serious recommendations after a tragic accident. Martin Fleming, the senior coroner for West Yorkshire, wants to ban new drivers from having passengers. This comes after two teenagers lost their lives in a car crash.
The accident involved Joe Walsh, 19, and Toby Barraclough, 18. They were in a Seat Ibiza that crashed into a wall on October 20, 2023. Joe had just passed his driving test five months earlier. Sadly, he died at the scene, while Toby passed away in the hospital weeks later.
Four other friends in the car were hurt but survived. During the inquest, it was revealed that the group had been drinking at a pub before getting into the car. Joe had traces of cocaine in his system and was nearly twice the legal alcohol limit. He was driving at about 40mph in a 20mph zone.
Mr. Fleming has written to the Department for Transport, asking them to rethink the rules. He believes that new drivers shouldn’t be allowed to carry young passengers. He’s worried that without changes, more tragedies could happen.
In his letter, he pointed out that Joe was only 18 and had just gotten his license. He was legally allowed to drive with five friends in the car. Mr. Fleming stressed that young drivers are more likely to get into accidents when they have peers with them.
He’s pushing for a graduated driver licensing scheme. This would put restrictions on new drivers for a while after they pass their test. In 2023, nearly 5,000 people were either killed or seriously injured in accidents involving young drivers in the UK. The government now has 28 days to respond to his letter.
