Driver Jailed After Deadly Crash Near Keswick
Joe Rowland, 21, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (20 Nov) for death by careless driving following a tragic crash near Keswick.
Crash Details: Car Hits Tree on Icy Road
On 28 November 2021, Rowland was behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta when he failed to navigate a sharp right-hand bend on the A591. The vehicle collided with a tree.
Inside the car was 19-year-old Lana Maddison, a friend of Rowland’s. She later died in hospital on 3 December 2021 from injuries sustained in the crash.
Storm Arwen and Hazardous Conditions
The crash happened during Storm Arwen, which battered Cumbria with snow and ice. Emergency services warned of dangerous road conditions all night and had to drive carefully.
The initial 999 call to North West Ambulance Service flagged the icy roads at the scene.
Investigation Finds Speeding as a Key Factor
The Serious Collision Investigation Unit revealed the car was travelling at 53mph five seconds before impact. Brakes were applied three seconds prior, but the Fiesta still hit the tree at 33mph.
Investigators concluded that Rowland was driving too fast for the icy roads, causing him to lose control.
Sentencing: Jail Time and Driving Ban
Rowland was handed 10 months in prison, banned from driving for three years and five months, and will face an extended driving test before getting his licence back.
