Learner Driver who killed three friends in Crash

 

Learner driver who killed three friends in crash

 

 A learner driver who killed three of his friends in a crash during which the car split in half has been jailed for four year and eight months.

Jake Loy, 19, lost control of his Honda Civic and smashed into another car just after midnight on the A711 in Dumfries, Scotland, after taking it out on a public road for the first time, without any supervision required by a provisional driving licence.

His three 16-year-old passengers – Tyler Johnston, Ian Cannon and Finlay Johns – were killed in the crash on March 16 2022. The three occupants of the other vehicle and Loy were seriously injured.

The court heard the other driver had been adhering to the 60mph speed limit and although Loy’s speed was “unknown”.

A judge heard how Ian had posted a message in a group social media chat before the crash that he was “scared” in the vehicle and that Loy was a “terrible driver”.

Ian Cannon, Finlay Johns and Tyler Johnston, all 16 years old, were killed in the crash 

 

Sentencing him to four years and eight months imprisonment, Judge Lord Drummond said: “Not only were you unqualified, you had no real familiarity with this car or its characteristics at speed or under adverse conditions.

“Your driving at the time of the collision formed part of a more prolonged and deliberate course of bad or aggressive driving with a disregard for the danger being caused to others.

“The victim impact statements all bear witness to the terrible devastation you caused to the lives of their family members of those you injured. This sentence cannot alleviate their anguish.”

Loy, of Moffat, Dumfries shire, was also disqualified from driving for eight years and must sit the extended test before he is able to drive again.

He showed no emotion as he was led to the cells. Family members in the public gallery were seen crying after the judge had concluded his sentencing.

 

Donald Findlay KC, defending, told the court that his client has “simply no memory” of the incident. He said: “Loy is distressed by what happened and the consequences to his friends.

“It is telling and quite moving to me when he said that if he could take their place he would. He would rather it be him. There is very clear and strong evidence of what is known as survivor’s guilt. There was no badness nor malice or intent of any kind.”

Driverless cars to be tested in UK

Business secretary, Vince Cable, sits in a driverless car.

Driverless cars are to be tested in Bristol, Coventry, Milton Keynes  and the London borough of Greenwich and those locations in trials will put the UK at the forefront of automated vehicle technology.

Government funding of £19m will allow three separate trials to take place: one in Bristol, one in Greenwich and one split between Coventry and Milton Keynes. The trials, lasting from 18 to 36 months, will test different aspects of self-driving technology. All will take place away from public roads, though each is aimed at making automated vehicles on Britain’s roads a reality.

The trials will use semi-autonomous cars that can drive themselves for periods of the time with a human driver behind the wheel, as well as lightweight self-driving pods designed for low-speed shuttle services. The three projects will be linked by an external monitor who will coordinate all the data.

The Greenwich trials – named the Gateway project – will involve self-driving shuttles being tested on closed roads and in simulation facilities. The project is led by the TRL with contributions from the Royal College of Art, Imperial College London and the University of Greenwich along with General Motors, the AA and RAC.

“These shuttles are a relatively mature technology, so our trials will be more about how to manage participants and the vehicles, to get us towards these vehicles being a real proposition for public roads,” Reed said.

Gateway will also test cars that can drop off passengers then park themselves. The vehicles will then return on command, similar to concepts shown off by Audi and other carmakers.

The Bristol trials – named the Venturer project – will involve tests investigating legal and insurance issues, as well as public reaction to self-driving cars.

well as public reaction to self-driving cars.

The Venturer project will be led by project management group Atkins Highways & Transportation. Also involved will be the Bristol robotics lab at the University of Bristol and insurance company Axa.

Driverless vehicles could change the way we move around cities. Photograph: Alamy

The question of who pays in the event of a crash involving a driverless car is seen as one of the major barriers to letting self-driving cars loose on highways.

The trials in Milton Keynes and Coventry will be run by a consortium named UK Autodrive. Arup is to lead this project with Jaguar Land Rover and Ford contributing. The project will focus on car-to-car and car-to-road communication and the infrastructure required.

The government has made clear its support of the automated vehicle industry. “The UK is a world leader in the development of driverless technology,” said business secretary Vince Cable. “This not only puts us at the forefront of this transformational technology but also opens up new opportunities for our economy and society.”

Full Report on :   http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jan/01/driverless-cars-tested-uk-bristol-coventry-milton-keynes-greenwich

Indian government drafts law to tame India's chaotic traffic

Measures include a points system to punish repeat offenders and stiffer penalties for speeding and failure to stop at red lights

Traffic in Delhi, India. Photograph: Alamy

For decades, the chaotic use of  roads has been held up as a point of pride by locals who argued that, though unnerving, the free-for-all worked in a way that foreign practices such as staying in your lane or using your mirrors would not.

Now the government, hopes to tame the rickshaws, elephants, trucks, luxury SUVs, bicycles, camels, five-seater motorbikes, cows and buses that battle it out each day on the country's highways.

The objective is an ambitious one. Around 150,000 people a year die on India's roads, with hundreds of thousands more injured in around half a million recorded road accidents.

There is no ongoing system of verification of vehicle, no central national agency of road safety, and a culture of flouting the law. A huge surge in car ownership has not been matched by investment in roads, safety education, monitoring or policing.

The new bill aims to save 200,000 lives over five years and boost economic development, which has flagged in recent years.

The World Health Organisation has said the number of deaths and injuries on the roads in India costs the country around three percentage points of GDP growth annually. Transport ministry officials put the figure higher.

Modi's government has disappointed some observers, particularly in the business community, for failing to pass "big bang" reforms immediately. BJP officials say they are taking a "softly softly" approach with measures aimed at "putting the house in order, not burning it down".

One spur to the reform was the death of a minister in a car crash in Delhi days after the election win.

The draft law was posted online by the road transport ministry at the weekend with a request for user comments.

Full Story at:  http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/14/modi-law-india-traffic-roads

Diesel drivers face higher costs in battle to reduce pollution.

UK cities considering low emission zones and London diesel drivers could face extra costs on top of the congestion charge.

Drivers of diesel cars may have to pay more in road tax or face extra charges to travel into city centres in an effort to tackle pollution according to reports.

Major UK cities are considering low emission zones to force out older diesel vehicles that are responsible for higher levels of fumes, the Times said.

Almost all diesel vehicles driven into central London will trigger a £10 charge under plans being considered by mayor, Boris Johnson who will also reportedly lobby the government to increase road tax on diesel cars to encourage a move to cleaner vehicles.

The £10 fee, which would come into effect in 2020, would be on top of the congestion charge, forcing diesel drivers to pay at least £20 to drive into the capital's "ultra low emission zone", the newspaper said.

Only diesel vehicles meeting the Euro 6 emissions standard will be exempt, while petrol cars registered before 2006 will also have to pay.

Labour is reportedly planning a countrywide network of low emission zones to force older diesel cars from city centres, proposals that are being considered by more than 15 cities including Sheffield, Birmingham, and Bristol. Oxford has already introduced a zone for buses and may expand its plans for other vehicles. The initiatives are being considered to help meet European regulations on clean air and avoid the threat of heavy fines for breaching them.

The mayor's environment adviser, Matthew Pencharz, told the newspaper: "We want to see an unwinding of incentives that have driven people to diesel. Euro engine standards on emissions have not delivered the savings expected, meaning we now have a legacy of a generation of dirty diesels."

Today there are 10m cars in Britain are powered by diesel engines – a third of the total.

"Part of the problem is regulation. In laboratory conditions diesel cars have meet strict test criteria. Unfortunately that performance hasn't been matched on the road and now we have a significant health issue because of the dash for diesel."

What is 'Highway Hypnosis’ ?

What Is Highway Hypnosis? A Guidefor Drivers in Burnley, Nelson and Padiham

Most drivers have experienced a journey where they suddenly realise they have travelled several miles with little recollection of the road they have just driven. This phenomenon is commonly known as highway hypnosis. While it does not mean a driver is asleep, it can reduce awareness and increase the risk of accidents if not recognised and managed properly.

For learnerdrivers and experienced motorists alike, understanding highway hypnosis is an important part of road safety. Whether you regularly drive through Burnley, Nelson, Padiham, or travel on motorways and dual carriageways across Lancashire, staying alert behind the wheel is essential.

What Is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis, sometimes called "white line fever," is a mental state that can occur during long periods of driving. Drivers may continue to control their vehicle and respond to road conditions, but their level of conscious awareness becomes reduced.

A driver experiencing highway hypnosis may:

• Lose track of time
• Forget parts of the journey
• Feel detached from their surroundings
• Drive on "autopilot"
• Have reduced awareness of hazards

Although the driver remains awake, concentration levels can decrease significantly.

Why Does Highway Hypnosis Occur?

Driving often involves repetitive actions, especially on long stretches of road with little variation in scenery or traffic conditions.

Common causes include:

Long MotorwayJourneys

Motorways often involve extended periods of driving at consistent speeds with minimal steering input.

Fatigue

Tiredness is one of the biggest contributors to highway hypnosis. Drivers who are physically or mentally fatigued are more likely to experience reduced concentration.

Monotonous Road Conditions

Driving on quiet roads with little traffic, repetitive scenery, or few changes in direction can contribute to a trance-like state.

Lack of Sleep

Drivers who have not had sufficient rest may struggle to maintain full attention throughout a journey.

Is Highway Hypnosis Dangerous?

Yes. While highway hypnosis does not mean a driver is asleep, it can significantly reduce awareness and reaction times.

Potential dangers include:

• Missing road signs
• Delayed reactions to hazards
• Reduced observation skills
• Failure to notice changing traffic conditions
• Increased risk of collisions

A driver who is not fully engaged with the driving task may be less prepared to respond to unexpected events.

Highway Hypnosis vs Driver Fatigue

Although related, highway hypnosis and fatigue are not exactly the same.

Highway Hypnosis

• Reduced awareness
• Automatic driving behaviour
• May occur even when not extremely tired
• Often caused by monotony

Driver Fatigue

• Physical tiredness
• Heavy eyelids
• Frequent yawning
• Difficulty focusing
• Increased risk of falling asleep

Both conditions can impair driving performance and should be taken seriously.

Common Signs of Highway Hypnosis

Drivers should be aware of the warning signs.

These may include:

• Difficulty remembering the last few miles driven
• Missing exits or road signs
• Feeling disconnected from surroundings
• Daydreaming while driving
• Reduced awareness of nearby vehicles
• Difficulty maintaining concentration

Recognising these symptoms early can help prevent accidents.

How to Prevent Highway Hypnosis

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to reduce the risk.

Get Enough Sleep

A well-rested driver is more alert and better able to maintain concentration.

Aim for adequate sleep before long journeys.

Take Regular Breaks

The Highway Code recommends taking a break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving.

Stopping regularly helps refresh the mind and improve alertness.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can contribute to fatigue and reduced concentration.

Keep water available during longer journeys.

Avoid Driving When Extremely Tired

If you feel excessively tired, postpone your journey or arrange alternative transport where possible.

Keep Your Mind Engaged

Remaining actively involved in the driving task helps maintain concentration.

Regularly scan:

• Mirrors
• Road signs
• Junctions
• Traffic conditions
• Potential hazards

This active observation process keeps the brain engaged.

The Importanceof Observation Skills

Observation is one of the most important skills taught during driving lessons.

Good observation involves:

• Looking well ahead
• Checking mirrors regularly
• Anticipating hazards
• Monitoring traffic flow
• Maintaining awareness of surroundings

These habits help drivers remain engaged and reduce the likelihood of entering a state of highway hypnosis.

How Driving Lessons Help Prevent Highway Hypnosis

Professionaldriving lessons teach learners to maintain concentration and awareness throughout every journey.

Qualified driving instructors encourage learners to:

• Develop strong observation routines
• Anticipate potential hazards
• Maintain safe following distances
• Continuously assess road conditions
• Stay mentally engaged while driving

These skills are valuable not only for passing the practical driving test but also for becoming a safe and responsible driver.

MotorwayDriving and Concentration

Many newly qualified drivers experience their first motorway journeys after passing their driving test.

Motorways can increase the risk of highway hypnosis because:

• Speeds are higher
• Road layouts are repetitive
• Journeys are often longer

Motorway lessons can help drivers build confidence and learn techniques for maintaining concentration during extended journeys.

Road Safety in Burnley, Nelson and Padiham

Drivers throughout Burnley, Nelson and Padiham regularly travel on a variety of roads, including:

• Urban roads
• Rural routes
• Dual carriageways
• Motorways

Regardless of road type, maintaining full concentration is essential for road safety.

Developing good driving habits early can help reduce risks and improve confidence behind the wheel.

DrivingLessons in Burnley, Nelson and Padiham

At Afzal Driving Lessons Burnley, we help learners develop the skills needed to become safe, confident, and responsible drivers.

Our driving lessons focus on:

• Hazard perception
• Observation skills
• Defensive driving
• Road awareness
• Concentration techniques
• Safe decision-making

We provide professional driving lessons throughout Burnley, Nelson, Padiham, Brierfield, and surrounding areas.

Whether you are a beginner or preparing for your practical driving test, we can help you build the skills needed for safe driving for life.

Conclusion

Highway hypnosis is a real phenomenon that can affect drivers during long or monotonous journeys. While drivers remain awake, reduced awareness can increase the risk of accidents and dangerous situations.

By understanding the causes, recognising the warning signs, and adoptingsafe driving habits, motorists can reduce the likelihood of experiencing highway hypnosis.

For learnerdrivers in Burnley, Nelson and Padiham, developing strong observation and concentration skills is essential for staying safe on the road. Professional driving lessons provide an excellent foundation for building these lifelong driving habits.