Storm Arwen Crash: Driver Jailed for Fatal Careless Driving
Joe Rowland, 21, has been sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court for causing a death by careless driving. The tragic crash happened during Storm Arwen’s icy grip on Cumbria in November 2021.
Fatal Collision on Treacherous A591 Bend
On 28 November 2021, Rowland was behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta on the A591 near Keswick. He failed to take a right-hand bend and smashed into a tree. With him was 19-year-old Lana Maddison, who later died in hospital on 3 December from her injuries.
Storm Arwen and Speed: Deadly Combo
- Storm Arwen brought snow and ice, making roads deadly across Cumbria.
- Emergency crews reported treacherous conditions, forcing cautious driving.
- 999 operators warned of icy roads right after the crash call.
After investigation, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit revealed the Fiesta was traveling at 53mph five seconds before hitting the tree. Brakes were applied three seconds before impact, with the final speed at 33mph.
The crash was blamed on icy roads and Rowland driving too fast for the conditions, causing him to lose control.
Harsh Sentence: Jail, Driving Ban and Tough Retest
Rowland has been handed 10 months in prison. He’s also banned from driving for three years and five months and must pass an extended driving retest before getting behind the wheel again.
