Paul Green
12 Mar 2026 · Coroner Gareth Jones · West Sussex, Brighton and Hove
This report repeats 3 earlier warnings. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. 17 year old drivers driving without adult supervision
“The driver of the vehicle which crashed was 17 years of age. The three passengers in the car including [the deceased] who died were also under 18. There were no adults in the car. I heard evidence from Forensic Collision Investigator [REDACTED] 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.”
Linked reports
Repeats an earlier warningCaitlin Huddleston and Skye Mitchell25 Sept 2018 · 7 years 6 months earlier
Identical hazardConfidence 0.90 · high
Earlier report
“(1) That [the deceased] was a driver with only 4 months driving experience after passing her driving test;”
This report
“The driver of the vehicle which crashed was 17 years of age. The three passengers in the car including [the deceased] who died were also under 18.”
Repeats an earlier warningCharlie Hopkins and William Robinson14 May 2024 · 1 year 10 months earlier
Closely relatedConfidence 0.92 · high
Earlier report
“As set out above, the court found that it was possible that the fact that [the deceased] had only just passed his driving test contributed to the collision.”
This report
“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.”
Identical hazardConfidence 0.92 · high
Earlier report
“Currently there are no legal restrictions upon the licences of young and /or newly qualified drivers and the current vehicle licensing regime permits the carrying of young persons as passengers”
This report
“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.”