Six people, including five teenagers, have been killed in two separate road traffic accidents over the weekend.

Alesha O’Connor, Rhodri Miller and Corey Price, all 17 and from Barry in south Wales, were killed in a fatal road traffic collision on Friday 06 March on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road near Storey Arms, Brecon where an average of four to five deaths occur each year. Margaret Elizabeth Challis, a 68 year old woman from Merthyr Tydfil, also died in the head on collision.

Rhodri Miller had passed his driving test just three days before the crash, and it is believed he was travelling as part of a convoy of six cars. Two other teenagers remain in a critical condition in hospital.

In a separate incident on Saturday 07 March in Leeds, Rhys Baker and George Wharton, aged 13 and 14 respectively, died after the car they were travelling in left the road at speed and hit a tree. Two other teenage passengers suffered life threatening injuries and remain in hospital. The 21-year-old driver of the car is in a serious but stable condition.

Helen Williams, a senior road accident solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors’ Bristol office, said: “The news of these two road traffic accidents is tragic as it will be devastating for the families, friends and communities of the young people and adults involved.

“Passing your driving test is a rite of passage for many children in their late teens, offering them much anticipated independence and freedom. While the specific circumstances relating to these two accidents are still being investigated, it is absolutely vital that new drivers aren't exposed to dangerous situations whilst they are getting used to the responsibilities that come with passing their driving test.

“When new or inexperienced drivers get behind the wheel appreciating that they are ultimately responsible for their own, their passengers and other road users’ safety can be daunting.

“Driving tests are privately funded, but through properly funded national road safety education in schools we can increase the chance that new and inexperienced drivers are more fully aware of the consequences that careless or dangerous driving can have and hopefully avoid tragic incidents like the ones that have unfolded this weekend.”