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'Young drivers deserve the right to be protected'

Oprah FlashWest Midlands
News imageFamily handout A teenage boy with glasses and a grey cap is in an outdoor setting next to a body of water and treesFamily handout
Simon Evans' story will feature in road safety campaigns across West Mercia's patch

Simon Evans, 18, was a passenger in a car driven by a newly qualified driver when it crashed killing three teenagers inside last year.

"Part of us all died with Simon that night. Our lives will never be the same," his parents Dave and Sue said.

"We are grieving for the son we have lost and are mourning for the future he will never have, and we will never see."

The couple are backing a road safety campaign by West Mercia Police and the Crime Commissioner (PCC) to raise awareness and help save lives.

News imageFamily handout Simon photographed in front of a harbour - there's bright sunshine reflecting off the water and there's lots of fishing boats visible. Simon is wearing a white t shirt and a white baseball cap. He's smiling and looking into the camera.Family handout
Simon, from Perton, was 18 at the time of the crash in Shropshire last year

"Young drivers deserve the right to be protected, to have the correct safeguards put in place," Simon's parents added.

Simon, who was 18 at the time of the crash, died at the scene. The 17-year-old driver of the car, Jenson Bridges, from Brewood, had passed his test the day before the crash which happened on Offoxey Road near Tong in Shropshire. His Audi A1 spun off the route and hit a tree.

Jacob Holman from Wolverhampton, was also killed. A third teenager, also a passenger, suffered life-changing injuries.

There were no witnesses, but investigators determined a lack of driving experience and inappropriate speed were the cause of the crash, with a coroner highlighting the "naïve actions of a young, inexperienced, newly qualified driver".

News imageWest Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner The photo shows three people standing indoors in front of a large arched window. Behind them, greenery can be seen outside through the glass. To the left of the group, part of a high‑visibility police motorcycle is visible, including bright yellow and blue markings. To the right of the group, there is a tall, freestanding display banner. The banner features the West Mercia Police logo and contains road‑safety messaging. The main headline on the banner reads: “A life is lost almost every week on roads across West Mercia.”West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner
PCC John Campion has welcomed support for the campaign from Dave and Sue Evans.

According to figures collected by the Department for Transport, young male car drivers aged 17 to 24 are four times as likely to be killed or seriously injured compared with all car drivers aged 25 or over.

From January to December 2025, there were 462 crashes on roads within the West Mercia area, which resulted in 56 deaths and 473 serious injuries. Speed was the main contributing factor in 63 of these incidents. Alcohol and/or drugs was a factor in 33.

The West Mercia force area covers Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

"The Evans family are using their pain for purpose, as they do all they can to stop what happened to their son Simon from happening to anyone else," PCC John Campion said.

"I have met with Dave and Sue, and other families who have gone through this terrible hurt, and I am deeply moved and humbled by their courage and resilience to engage with communities to effect positive change and make a real difference to reduce the harm caused on our roads."

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