Calls for change following fatal Marcham crash
Three teenagers lost their lives in 2023
The families of the victims of the fatal Marcham crash are calling for a Graduated Driving Licence.
Yesterday (Wednesday 18th December), the 19 year old driver of the car which killed all three in June 2023 was sentenced to nine years four months after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.
Thomas Johnson of Stainswick Lane in Shrivenham had inhaled nitrous oxide and was doing speeds of almost 100mph when he lost control of his BMW.
The aunt of one of the victims - 17 year old Elliot Pullen is Laura Oakes, a PC for 16 years.
She wants a change in law for young drivers:
"I'd like to see something done to prevent new and inexperienced drivers from carrying a carful, and also of having access to vehicle which I think may be too powerful for their user."
"More needs to be done and it needs to be made more difficult for people to drive and have access to cars which have that amount of power.
"Insurance companies need to take responsibility. Parents need to take responsibility."
Alex Hancock's son Daniel was another of the three teens who lost their lives:
"It was completely reckless dangerous behaviour. Nobody in their right mind can think they can drive round at their speeds which were being done while inhaling nitrous oxide balloons and consider that to be safe. It's horrendous."
Melanie and Robert Goddard, whose son Ethan was one of the victims have this advice:
"Slow down, if you want to drive fast go on a track day. There are places you can do it in relative safety where you're not going to injure other people. Don't do it on the roads."