Sister of tragic Whitby crash teen in road safety plea

Dan Rollins, 18, of Whitby, died instantly when his Seat Arosa veered onto the wrong side of the road at speed and hit an oncoming vehicle on the A171 at Ugthorpe near Whitby on October 15, 2013.

Mr Rollins’ sister Tiffany, a pupil at Caedmon College in Whitby, has agreed to be featured in a North Yorkshire Police video highlighting the dangers of driving at high speed.

Speaking about the loss she feels as she grows up without her brother by her side, she said: “Dan meant everything to me, we were really close. He was like a dad and a best friend and now my life has changed forever.

“If everyone who drives knew what it feels like to lose someone close to you from a car accident, then they wouldn’t speed.

“My brother was going to be the person that walked me down the aisle if I ever got married - he meant the world to me.

“When I go home I expect to hear the shower going and him singing in the shower, or asking ‘what’s for tea?’. All these little things remind me of Dan and I would give anything to have him back.

“I want people to watch my story and take notice of what can happen. Speed might get you there faster, but you might not get there at all. I hope this does not happen to another family because it’s a horrible pain that never leaves you.”

Police say the crash which took Mr Rollins’ life involved his Seat car going towards Whitby, and two other cars, a Vauxhall and a Ford, heading in the direction of Cleveland.

The Corsa driver was badly injured and the woman in the Ford escaped with minor injuries after she collided with the rear of the Vauxhall and took evasive action.

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick of North Yorkshire Police, also the chairman of 95 Alive, the York and North Yorkshire Road Safety Partnership, said: “Tiffany’s story shows the devastation that hits families when a loved one dies in such tragic and avoidable circumstances.

“I sincerely hope after watching Tiffany’s video, that drivers - both young and old - will remember her message and drive safely. Even if just one precious life is saved, the video will have done its job.”