VIDEO: Key speakers at Wasted Lives conference (From Lancashire Telegraph)

VIDEO: Key speakers at Wasted Lives conference

4:15pm Monday 14th January 2008 in

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KEY speakers at the Wasted Lives conference told of their hopes for changes to end the 'epidemic' of fatal young driver crashes.

Linda Sanderson, from the Lancashire Partnership for Road Safety, said everyone gathered at the event had a role to play in reducing casualty figures.

Highlighting the fact that drivers under the age of 25 make up 16 per cent of all licence holders - but 52 per cent of all road deaths, she said: "Young driver deaths and serious injuries have become an epidemic of our time."

"Young drivers are more likely to seek the thrill from driving faster and cornering at high speed."

Introducing the Missing Matthew DVD which will be used to spread the road safety message, Mrs Sanderson said: "Matthew died two years ago as a result of one moment of madness. The hurt and pain his family felt is mirrored far too much in our society."

Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young explained how Matthew's tragic story had helped to prompt the paper's Wasted Lives campaign, with the aim of reducing the number of young driver deaths through a series of legislative and educational reforms.

He added: "I think the driving age will be raised to 18, not through legislation but through the creation of a stipulated number of hours' driving before sitting a test. I think they will introduce set driving modules. All of that is encouraging but we have to make sure that the government DOES do that.

"A disproportionate number of young drivers have been dying for years and years. It is good that it looks like the government is about to do something. I only fear it won't be quite enough."

The conference watched the premiere showing of the Missing Matthew DVD. Speaking about their involvement in its creation, parents Terry and Ann Hannon said they hoped their horrific experience would move young drivers to consider the risks they take on the road.

Ann added: "It has been hard to do but we hope Matthew is looking down and is proud of us."

Members of the family broke down in tears as the DVD was played. It was also an emotional moment for Trish and Dave Reynard, who attended the conference after losing their 19-year-old son Craig Cronshaw in a crash in Rossendale in December.

Blackburn MP Jack Straw praised the Hannons' extra-ordinary courage' and the Lancashire Telegraph's Wasted Lives campaign for pushing the issue for change. Chief Superintendent Dave Mallaby said it was important to remember that not all young drivers were irresponsible, but all were capable of lapses.