Woman Shares Family’s ‘Profound Impact’ from Drug-Driving Fatality, Urges Caution During Festive Period

A Kent woman has issued a strong caution to motorists, urging them to refrain from consuming alcohol or drugs before operating a vehicle during the upcoming festive season. This warning comes after her brother’s death, caused by a driver under the influence of drugs. Rachel Weston’s brother, Michael Owen, lost his life in 2015. He was a passenger in a Renault Clio that collided with a wall in Crowborough, East Sussex. Ms Weston, who resides in Tonbridge, shared with BBC South East: “This has had such an impact on our family. Michael had a young daughter who has grown up without a father. I lost a brother and my mother lost a son.” She further stated: “I remember the scream my mum let out when when she found out he died and that will stay with me. I can’t do anything to change that.” Michael’s death was instantaneous upon the vehicle’s impact with a lamppost and a wall. Ms Weston additionally revealed: “Both Michael and his friend, who was driving, had drugs in their systems.” She continued, advising: “People in their 20s who want to blow off steam may use recreational drugs or drink, but they shouldn’t get behind the wheel afterwards.” Ms Weston emphasized: “It puts themselves at risk and it doesn’t have to end in tragedy – people can stay round a friend’s house or get a taxi to where they need to go.” Throughout Surrey and Sussex during December 2023, a total of 11,013 vehicle stops were documented. This figure comprised 5,023 stops in Surrey and 5,990 in Sussex, spanning a period of 32 days. More than 500 arrests related to drink and drug-driving offenses were carried out across these two counties, with 304 occurring in Sussex and 208 in Surrey. This number represents a notable rise compared to the preceding year, during which Sussex Police halted 2,430 drivers and Surrey Police stopped 1,649 drivers. Supt Rachel Glenton, who leads the Surrey and Sussex Roads Policing Unit, stated that both police forces intend to implement “increased patrols and stop checks.” She affirmed: “We will deal robustly with offenders. Our officers could be anywhere and there really is no excuse for drivers who put their own safety and the safety of everyone else at risk,” she said. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.