A three-year-old girl tragically lost her life in a head-on collision on the M6 motorway, an inquest has revealed. The accident occurred when a Porsche,driven by 79-year-old Terrence Unsworth,entered the motorway,slowed down,and made a dangerous U-turn,directly into the path of oncoming traffic.
Two other drivers managed to swerve out of the way, but Beth Dawson, Faye’s mother, was unable to avoid the oncoming Porsche. In a heartbreaking statement read on her behalf, Beth described the moments leading up to the crash:
“I always strapped her in properly and I specifically purchased this booster seat for Faye. I would not have taken any action to put her at risk and I always put her in the rear passenger so I could check she was ok. I recall seeing two cars moving over to the second lane and I tried to but there was no time. I blacked out.”
Tragically,Faye,who was strapped into her car seat,was thrown from the vehicle upon impact and suffered fatal injuries. Assistant Coroner Richard Taylor concluded that Faye, from Wallasey, Merseyside, died as a result of a road traffic accident.
The inquest heard that Faye and her mother had been returning home after a trip to see the Blackpool Illuminations. While Faye was secured in her booster seat, the coroner noted that she “had moved out of her seatbelt unintentionally or intentionally” at some point before the collision.
Unsworth, who was also from Lancashire, died at the scene of the accident in Leyland in November 2022.
The devastating incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the possibly fatal consequences of reckless driving.
## Tragedy on the M6: Expert Weighs in on Deadly Collision
**world-Today-News.com** - The tragic death of three-year-old Faye Dawson following a head-on collision on the M6 has sent shockwaves through the nation. The inquest revealed a horrifying sequence of events, culminating in the Porsche driven by seventy-nine-year-old Terrence Unsworth making a dangerous U-turn directly into oncoming traffic. This resulted in a catastrophic collision, claiming the life of young Faye.
To shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and address the broader issue of road safety involving elderly drivers, we spoke with **Professor James Harrington, a leading expert in traffic psychology and road safety at the University of Manchester.**
**World-Today-News.com:** Professor Harrington, this incident is truly heartbreaking. What are your initial thoughts on the circumstances surrounding the collision?
**Prof.Harrington:** This tragedy is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when a driver makes a critical error in judgment on a major motorway. The specific details of this case, with the U-turn being the proximate cause, are deeply concerning. It highlights the importance of maintaining constant vigilance and adapting driving to the specific conditions of a motorway surroundings.
**World-Today-News.com:** Many have expressed concerns regarding the involvement of an elderly driver in this collision. What are some of the unique challenges faced by older drivers on the road?
**Prof. Harrington:** As we age, our physical and cognitive abilities naturally change. Reaction times generally slow down, and visual acuity may diminish. These changes can make it more challenging to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road, especially in high-speed environments like motorways.
**World-Today-News.com:** Does this incident raise questions about the need for stricter regulations or testing for elderly drivers?
**Prof. Harrington:** This is a complex issue. While age-related driving limitations are a legitimate concern, it’s crucial to remember that the vast majority of older drivers are responsible and safe. Blanket restrictions based solely on age could disproportionately impact individuals who are perfectly capable of driving safely.
What I believe we need is a multifaceted approach. This includes:
* **Regular health checks:** Routine medical screenings that assess an individual’s fitness to drive, taking into account both physical and cognitive factors.
* **Graduated licensing programs:** Offering refresher courses and specialized training for elderly drivers, focused on motorway driving and navigating challenging situations.
* **Promoting self-regulation:** Encouraging open dialogue between family members, healthcare professionals and older drivers themselves. This can help identify early signs of driving difficulties and facilitate timely interventions.
**World-Today-News.com:** What message would you like to impart to our readers, notably those who drive regularly on motorways?
**Prof. Harrington:** This tragedy serves as a stark reminder that even experienced drivers can make mistakes with perhaps catastrophic consequences. Always prioritize safety,maintain constant vigilance,and adapt your driving to the conditions around you.Remember that sharing the road with others means sharing the obligation for everyone’s wellbeing.
