Crash which killed three teenagers shows dangers for young drivers on road, traffic PC says

From left, Kyle Warren, Dominic O'Neill and Billy Hines, who died in a road crash in Pulham Market. Picture: WARREN, O'NEILL AND HINES FAMILIES (Image: WARREN, O'NEILL AND HINES FAMILIES)

Sgt Andy Hood, senior forensic collision investigator for Norfolk and Suffolk Police, attended the scene of the incident the morning after the crash in which Dominic O'Neill, Kyle Warren and Billy Hines died.

As the community came to terms with what had happened and showed an outpouring of emotion towards the three popular teenagers, Sgt Hood's job was to assess the scene for clues of what had happened.

Although an inquest into the trio's deaths today (Tuesday, January 9) said there were no witnesses to the crash itself, officers said the most likely cause was that Kyle - who was driving the vehicle - lost control on a corner.

A toxicology report found that Kyle had traces of MDMA and cocaine in his system, although area coroner Yvonne Blake told the inquest: 'There is no evidence to indicate the drugs he had taken contributed to the accident.'

Sgt Hood said: 'It's a sad collision which has killed three young men in their prime.'

His message to young people taking to the road for the first time after passing their tests is: 'Think about your driving.

'Inexperienced drivers are often very pleased and happy to be in their cars. They often want to show their friends how well they can drive.

'It's okay to be enthusiastic but being over-enthusiastic as a new driver often leads to quite a few dangers.

'Just because you're in a car with your friends doesn't mean you have to drive quickly and doesn't mean you have to show off.

'Start as you mean to go on - be safe, drive to your own capabilities and don't try and show off to anyone else.'

Of driving under the influence of drink and drugs, he said: 'It's not just illegal - it's dangerous and it does kill people.'