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Young motorist warns of mobile phone driving dangers
Posted on 12/03/2010
Chief Executive's
A teenage driver who collided with a motorcyclist leaving him with serious injuries is warning others to think twice before driving whilst talking on a mobile phone.
James* (17) from, the Ashby area of Leicestershire, was chatting on the phone when the collision took place last August near Atherstone in Warwickshire.
Dad-of-two Andy Pritchard was initially told he would never walk again following the incident which caused him to be propelled 80m over a dual carriageway central reservation.
Leicestershire Youth Offending Service has been working with Andy and James and recently arranged for them to meet each other for the first time since the accident. Both hope their stories will deter anyone who uses a mobile phone whilst driving to think again.
James, who was given an £85 fine and a 12 month ban, as well as being made subject to a five month referral order, said: “Being on the phone was a stupid thing to do.
“Meeting Andy gave me an insight into how this has affected his life. I also know that if I was older I could have gone to jail.
“I was shocked when I saw his injuries and how bad they were. Words cannot say how sorry I am. I would ask people to not use their mobile phone when they drive. How would you feel if somebody hit you and put you in a wheelchair?”
Andy spent two months in hospital following the accident and has so far undergone nine operations. He broke his right femur in four places and his left leg was shattered. Doctors were originally planning to amputate the leg but he underwent pioneering surgery to rebuild it.
However, he is now in constant pain, cannot work and is likely to rely on crutches to get about for the rest of his life.
He said: “It was useful meeting with James – I wanted him to see how much his actions had affected me.
“There is no excuse when it comes to driving while using a mobile phone.
“Every day is a struggle for me now but I am a positive person – this could have broken someone else. If my story prevents at least one person from going out and driving while using the phone then this is worth it.”
Byron Rhodes, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Deputy Leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: “This is a sad story which goes to show how just one phone call can have such a devastating impact.
“I hope people will listen to what Andy and James have to say and think twice before driving and speaking on the phone.”
The Leicestershire Youth Offending Service is working with Andy and James as part of a Referral Order. The aim of the work of the YOS is to prevent further offending and the referral order aims to encourage young people to be responsible for their actions whilst also giving the victims a voice within the youth justice system.
These referral orders start with a panel meeting, which is facilitated by volunteers and members of the community, and is where James and Andy were brought together.
James has been encouraged to make amends for his offending and undertake work that will prevent him from further offending. He is also obliged to complete extra hours of unpaid work as well as having to do further work on road safety.
Sergeant Simon Adkin of the Leicestershire Constabulary Roads Policing Unit said: “Driving requires your undivided attention.
“Sadly, there are still some motorists out there who put themselves and others at risk. It has been seven years since the dangers of driving whilst using handheld mobile phones were made public and the ban came into effect in 2003.
“In the interest of public safety, we remind motorists that it is illegal and it’s their personal responsibility to pull over in safe place and use their mobile phone, or to install a suitable hands free kit if they absolutely must use the phone whilst travelling.”
(NB: James’ name has been changed for legal reasons).
To arrange interviews of Andy or James call Kirsty Nicolson, Leicestershire County Council Press Office, on 0116 3055712. A photo of Andy is available.
*Andy’s accident took place on the A5 in Dordon