/ 1 September 2005

Father killed in smash after allowing son to steer

A British man died in a high-speed accident because he allowed his seven-year-old son to steer, a coroner’s inquest ruled.

Peter Mourier (50) of Kingshill, encouraged his son David to lean over and steer the car as it traveled at 110kph on a motorway in western Britain on March 4. The car veered off the highway and slammed into a tree. Mourier was killed but his three sons survived with minor injuries.

Joseph Mourier (15) told a coroner’s inquest on Wednesday that he had urged his father not to let the boy steer, but was told ”not to be stupid”.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, coroner Alan Crickmore said the elder Mourier had been ”excessively foolish” and exonerated David of any blame. – Sapa-AP