Family Of Brain Damage Victim Start Petition To Change Law

Family and friends of a teenager who suffered serious brain injuries after a road crash caused by a driver running a red light are calling for a tough new law to target careless driving.

The London Evening Standard reports that 18-year-old Miriam Parker was crossing a road in Croydon on New Year's Day this year when she was hit by a vehicle, which left her fighting for her life.

She spent four weeks in intensive care and several months in a rehabilitation centre after the crash. Her recovery has involved five operations and re-learning how to walk, speak and eat.

Miriam has also had to postpone her ambition of going to university to study nursing, and still suffers from some paralysis in her right hand.

Meanwhile, the driver who hit her was charged with driving without due care and attention. He received a four-year driving ban and a £1,400 fine, but no custodial sentence.

A petition started by Miriam's family and friends, which has attracted 1,200 signatures so far, is calling for the creation of a new offence: causing serious injury by careless driving.

Expert Opinion

This case is similar to many which we are involved in, where a person has suffered catastrophic life-changing injuries in a road collisions and needs access to vital rehabilitation support in order to take steps towards a recovery. <br/> <br/>"It is vital that all motorists recognise and acknowledge the risks which can emerge on the roads and ensure that they also consider the safety of themselves, other motorists and pedestrians. The consequences of failing to do so can be massive." Stephen Nye - Partner