THE girlfriend of a man who was killed by a driver on his mobile phone has launched a road safety campaign to educate youngsters about the dangers of using devices at the wheel.

Meg Williamson lost her boyfriend, Gavin Roberts, 28, when the car of Lewis Stratford, of Field Avenue, Blackbird Leys, Oxford, ploughed head-on into his BMW on the A34 near East Ilsey last June.

Stratford, 24, had been arguing on the phone with his girlfriend at the time of the crash before he lost control of his Vauxhall Corsa and smashed through the central reservation and into Mr Roberts' car, which seriously injured him before be died in hospital four days later.

Now, the English teacher has vowed to try to help prevent further fatal accidents and wants to see average speed cameras installed, lanes widened and slip roads made longer on the A34.

She also wants to run an education campaign in schools and colleges warning youngsters about the dangers of using a mobile phone – or engaging in other distractions – behind the wheel.

The 27-year-old, who lives in North Swindon said: "For me, it’s heartbreaking that people have to lose their lives or be victims in terrible traffic collisions before any safety concerns are addressed.

"At the moment we are looking for short term fixes to prevent any more accidents. But, in the long run, I think it’s important to educate people properly.

"The plan going forward is to write to the education secretary with the aim of developing a programme that can be rolled out to schools and sixth forms all across the country."

Stratford was jailed at Reading Crown Court for more than three and a half years earlier this month after he admitted causing death by dangerous driving.

The defendant mouthed the words 'sorry' to the victim's family as he was sent down to the cells.

Ms Williamson was part of a recent BBC TV documentary in which she came face to face with the man who had killed Mr Roberts.

Ms Williamson said: “Eventually I realised I wanted to meet Lewis. His actions had taken away Gavin. My anger had passed, but I needed to know what had happened.

“Teachers all over the country have contacted me about showing the documentary to raise awareness among their students.

“Drama teachers have also been in touch about producing dramatic works around education. I think it’s really important to get this information across.”

Recent changes in the law now mean that penalties for motorists caught making a call, sending a message or using their mobile while driving will double to a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence following a change in the law.

Previously, drivers faced a maximum of three points and a £100 fine.
It means people in their first two years of driving will automatically have their licence revoked and they will have to re-sit their test.