Family of Andrew Rowlands call for tougher driving laws
Eighteen-year-old Andrew Rowlands from Consett was killed when the 4×4 he was in flipped and crashed on the A692 in June 2020.
The dangerous vehicle he was a passenger in did not have an MOT and had been bought the day before for just £100.
It was driven by then 17-year-old Dylan Brunton who cowardly fled the scene along with the two other passengers following the crash.
The wreckage of the car and, inset, Dylan Brunton. Andrew’s parents John and Karen Rowlands have spent the years since calling for tighter restrictions to slash the high number of young driver deaths in the UK.
John and Karen said: “Our only son, Andrew John Rowlands, tragically had his life taken on 18th June 2020 at the hands of an underaged, inexperienced and unlicensed cowardly teenage driver. The car was ruled unroadworthy and a dangerous vehicle.
“As details of this horrific tragedy started to unfold, we as law abiding citizens, were horrified by the fact the driver was able to buy a car less than 24 hours before from social media website Facebook for £100 cash without the need to produce any ID or a driving licence.
Dawn Knight (Community Safety Coordinator), Karen Rowlands, John Rowlands and Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen. (Image: PR) “Since that day, we have been campaigning to raise awareness of this loophole, in the hope we could avoid any further tragedies of this nature. Sadly, following this and over the last four years, we have read far too many times now of underaged or disqualified drivers still managing get their hands on a vehicle so easily through a private sale.
“The time is well overdue, and the Government must introduce new statute sooner rather than later to prevent similar tragedies from happening and further families being destroyed like ours.”
The couple believe changes could have saved the life of Connor Loder, 15, who was killed in Newcastle in June when car he was passenger in left the road and collided with a post and railings off Stamfordham Road.
Connor Loder. (Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)Billy Conroy, 17, who was 16 at the time of the crash, had a history of dangerous driving and illegally bought the car for £400, was last week jailed for five-and-a-half-years for causing his friend’s death.
Billy Conroy is starting a jail term for causing Connor Loder’s death. (Image: David Allison 5510) Andrew’s tragic case was raised by Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist in the House of Commons earlier this week, requesting a debate on the issue to prevent future tragedies.
She said on Thursday (December 19): “The tragic events that lead to Andrew Rowlands losing his life were truly heartbreaking, for his family and loved ones, they are fighting to ensure that never happens again.
“Four years on from this horrific collision and we still do not have the necessary regulations in place to avoid the sale of cars to illegal drivers, whether they are banned or underage.
“I want to thank the Rowlands family for taking the time to tell me of their story and share their concerns. I want to work with them, Durham Police and other stakeholders to ensure that we get the changes needed to ensure that this does not happen again.”
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Durham Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen, who met with Andrew’s parents this week, added: “No family should ever have to face the anguish and devastation faced by Andrew’s parents. Sadly, as we have seen in this recent case, missed opportunities to implement change have cost another young man’s life and this is extremely hard for anyone to bear.
“Any vehicle can be used as a weapon in the wrong hands, and I am frankly astonished that young or underage drivers can still get hold of one without proof of identity, relevant insurance or experience. These are simple administrative checks that surely should be statutory for every potential sale.
“Victims are front and centre to everything I stand for as Commissioner and I will do absolutely everything in my power to support Andrew’s parents, Karen and John, and other campaigns that prevent future deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”