Bethany Adams death: Mum calls for Bethany's Law on road safety
A coroner is to call for restrictions on new drivers following a teenager’s death when her boyfriend’s speeding car crashed in the Quantocks.
West Somerset coroner Michael Rose yesterday announced his formal request to the Department of Transport under a rule which gives coroners enhanced powers to prevent further deaths, bringing laws “in line with a number of advanced nations”.
-
Bethany Adams, of WIlliton, Somerset, died in a crash at the foot of the Quantocks. Her mother, Helen, yesterday backed a call by West Somerset coroner Michael Rose for tighter rules on young drivers
Mr Rose wants new drivers to be bound by speed limits of 50mph on open roads and 60mph on motorways, as well as the mandatory display of distinguishing plates, applying for one year.
Six-point penalties would be in place, meaning a driver breaking the rules twice would face an automatic ban.
Bethany Paige Adams, 17, of Williton, died in January last year when a Citroen Saxo driven by her recently qualified boyfriend crashed into a tree on the A358 at Crowcombe.
Yesterday, Bethany’s mother welcomed the proposals. Helen Adams said: “I am very pleased. We said at the very beginning that we would be happy for the coroner to use Bethany’s case to helps save lives, and if it is successful in being passed I would be really happy if it could be called Bethany’s Law.
Bethany’s boyfriend, Charlie Blandford-Corp, of Minehead, who was a novice driver aged 17 at the time of the crash, pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving and was given an 18-month driving ban and suspended prison sentence by Taunton Magistrates.
A witness told an inquest into Bethany’s death that he thought Mr Blandford-Corp was driving at up to 80mph. The speedometer of the crashed car was stuck at 66mph, six miles above the road’s limit. The inquest heard that Bethany had told Mr Blandford-Court to slow down before, when he was driving at 40mph in a 30mph zone.
The coroner considered calling on the Department to introduce the changes last year but first wanted to find out how many accidents were caused by recently qualified drivers. “Despite their assistance I have been unable to obtain such figures although the statistics for 17-23-year-old drivers reveal a large number of fatal and serious accidents,” he said.
Mrs Adams said: “I think both the plates and a reduction in speed are important, and that it would apply to all new drivers. It is very important that a breach would mean six penalty points. At the moment people can speed a few times before their points mount up to 12. Having to display a sign would help other road-users too.”
In New Zealand, where Bethany’s brother, Liam, 24, passed his driving test, people can learn to drive at the age of 15 and pass a test at 16, but new drivers have to obey a 10pm-6am curfew for their first year and may only carry qualified drivers as passengers. They then apply for a full licence.
Comments
by azurepoppy
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 4:13PM
“Amywamy999
" Why would you be penalized?? If you abide by the rules that the coroner is suggesting you would only be penalized if you were to break one. Don't think you quite grasp the point. Just because you spent a lot of money on lessons and insurance doesn't make you a better driver. You have only passed your test 4 months ago, you do not have years of driving experience. I passed my test 27 years ago. You say your driving is safer than many of those around you, how do you know your driving is better!!
I would hope that you have never broken the speed limit in the short space of time that you have been driving. I have also never received any form of driving conviction in 27 years.
I think that if you had actually done any research or spoken to the police you would know that this is not a case of a one off occurrence. Nothing is more annoying than people that comment without knowing the facts and statistics.
I also totally disagree with you thinking you speak for the majority, I have not come across one young person aged between 17 - 24 that would agree with you. I am so passionate about what I say because I am Bethany' mother.
Let's hope you continue to drive safe and that you or anyone you know is ever put through the hell we are living.
We are trying to improve things, it's a shame you can't see that."
From a very proud mum”
by Wells City Floors
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 2:08PM
“"took a ridiculous over-the-top theory test" - says it all, really!
I think all new drivers should have to retake their test if they are convicted of a speed-related offence within 2 years of passing.”
by siarad2
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 11:15AM
“Insurance claims defy your assertions.”
by amywamy999
Wednesday, January 16 2013, 9:01AM
“Why should I be penalized for someone else carelessness? I passed my test four months ago, and bought my first car 5 weeks ago: I am a very safe driver, which is not surprising seems how I paid over £2000 in lessons, took a ridiculous over-the-top theory test, and a strict driving test after that. As well as then paying over £1500 to be insured!
My driving is much safer than many of the other drivers around me. I have never broken the speed limit and am very cautious and aware of my surroundings. I am sure that I speak for the majority when I say that this is a one-off occurrence of young girl getting into a car with a careless boy, and not the irresponsibility of a generation.”