Coroner calls for driving law change after death of boy, 16

Teenage drivers who have just passed their test should be accompanied by an adult, a coroner has suggested after a 16-year-old died after the car he was travelling in hit a tree. Paul Green was sitting in the back seat of a car being driven by a 17-year-old girl who had just passed her test when she lost control on a bend on Emsworth Common Road on the Hampshire-West Sussex border. An inquest conducted by Gareth Jones, assistant coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, found Paul was not wearing a seat belt and died after suffering head injuries when the car left the road.

Both the driver and two other passengers, a 16-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl, suffered serious injuries but survived the crash on November 27 2024. In a report sent to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, Mr Jones said he feared others would die in similar circumstances unless restrictions were placed on newly qualified drivers. He said: "I heard evidence from a forensic collision investigator that the collision was likely a result of understeering while negotiating a bend which was a result of the driver's inexperience.

"She had only passed her test a few weeks prior to the collision. I also heard evidence that the presence of other teenagers in the car (none of whom it appeared had driving experience) is a factor in a number of collisions. I am concerned that when 17-year-olds pass a driving test, they can drive on any road in the UK including motorways without any adult supervision.

I believe this current state of affairs is likely to lead to further fatal collisions if it remains unaddressed. "In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action." A DfT spokesperson said: "This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Paul's family.

We want to keep young people safe while supporting their access to work, education and social opportunities.

That's why we're not introducing blanket restrictions on new drivers.

"Instead, through our new Road Safety Strategy, we're focusing on better preparation before the test, including consulting on a minimum learning periods."