A coroner has warned that a social media clamour for selfies and videos could be contributing to fatal road collisions - after hearing how two teenagers died in a crash caused by a fellow sixth former as he drove them home from school.
Oh! Not anyone else's fault for a change? Not the car manufacturer, or local road maintenance firm?
Matilda Seccombe, 16, and 17-year-old Harry Purcell were killed when the Ford Fiesta they were passengers in collided with an oncoming Fiat at 64mph while being driven by pal Edward Spencer. Another boy, Frank Wormald, 16, also died in the horror smash, which took place in April 2023 just six weeks after Spencer had passed his driving test. After Spencer, who was 17 at the time, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing death by careless driving earlier this year, prosecutors told Warwick Crown Court he had a history of 'showing off' behind the wheel. The court also heard he had a 'history of bad driving' since he passed his test, evidenced by social media posts and videos.
Ah, well, there you go. No doubt he'll be suitably punished?
The farmers' son, of Newbold on Stour, Warwickshire, was sent to a young offenders' institution for two years, as well as being handed an eight-year driving ban and told he must take an extended driving test when he applies for his licence back.
Oh, I forgot - in this judicial system, killing people with your car is the best way of getting away virtually scott free...
Ms Lee told Coventry Coroner's Court that she may write to the government and insurance industry bodies to highlight issues raised by the tragedy. But she was urged by solicitor Patrick Maguire, representing Harry's family, to consider contacting social media companies, after he referenced the videos showing Spencer's dangerous driving. Mr Maguire told the hearing similar footage from other drivers existed online, and suggested social media firms may have a 'duty to take this material down' as it 'subconsciously validates and encourages others to copy that driving'.
Blame the tool that allows you to post footage of yourself being a tool, and not the tools driving like idiots = that's modern life all right.
"The court also heard he had a 'history of bad driving' since he passed his test, evidenced by social media posts and videos."
ReplyDeleteSo anyone who rode in a car with him had plenty of warning that it was a bad idea.
Stonyground.