VIDEO: Hannon's launch Missing Matthew DVD

5:57pm Monday 14th January 2008

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Terry and Ann Hannon said they hoped their horrific experience would move young drivers to consider the risks they take on the road.

Speaking about their involvement in the creation of the Missing Matthew DVD, Ann said: "Every second of every day there is a piercing, choking pain in us.

"It has been hard to do all this but we hope that Matthew is looking down and will be proud of us."

Dad Terry added: "Matthew always said he was too good at driving to have an accident. He had an air of invincibility.

"That invincibility turned out to be tosh.This is a real life story it has got to have some effect."

Terry called for school pupils to be educated about the dangers of driving even before they are old enough to get behind the wheel and for parents to take responsibility for what their teens are doing.

He added: "When Matthew told me he had had his car chipped (to increase the engine's power) I said good on you.

"I thought a chip would stop it getting stolen. Parental awareness is key."

And Terry - and others in the audience - said it was vital that parents as well as youngsters needed to be educated about young driver issues.