THE girlfriend of a man who was killed by a reckless driver has launched a road safety campaign to educate youngsters when they get behind the wheel for the first time.

Twenty-seven-year-old English teacher Meg Williamson lost her boyfriend, Gavin Roberts, 28, in a high-speed collision last June and has vowed to try to help prevent further fatal accidents.

Last year, 24-year-old Lewis Stratford’s white Vauxhall Corsa hit the central reservation of the A34 near East Ilsley in Berkshire and collided with Gavin’s blue BMW. Gavin died in hospital four days later.

Stratford, who last earlier this month was jailed for more than three and a half years, was having an argument with his girlfriend on his mobile phone at the time.

Since then, Meg has been an active member of the A34 Action Group – a nexus of concerned members of the public who want to see the dangerous road made safer.

Meg, who lives in North Swindon and teaches at Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, 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.

“I’m sure that Gavin would still be alive today if proper safety measures had been put in place.”

To get an idea of the extent of the problem, the A34 carriageway near Newbury has been closed 56 times over the last five years due to fatalities or injuries, according to Highways England.

As a result, Meg wants to see average speed cameras installed, lanes widened and slip roads made longer, along with 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.

She said: “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.”

Meg was part of a recent BBC TV documentary in which she came face to face with the man who had killed Gavin. It was intended to act as a deterrent to make people think twice about using their phone at the wheel.

Stratford admitted having consumed some alcohol prior to the crash, but due to the nature of his injuries, no breath sample was taken.

Meg 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.

“I wanted to know what he was thinking, what possessed him to pick up his mobile phone behind the wheel.

“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.”

When passing sentence at Reading Crown Court earlier this month, Judge Stephen John told Stratford: “This was an avoidable accident which caused an avoidable death.”

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has announced his full support for the tougher penalties introduced for those who use their mobile phones while driving.

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.

Mr Buckland said: “I am glad that the Government has introduced tougher penalties for those who use their mobile phones whilst driving.

“The message is simple and clear: don’t get distracted by your mobile phone while driving. It may seem innocent, but holding and using your phone at the wheel risks serious injury and even death to you, your passengers and other road users.

“Having met many families of victims of dangerous driving, I have at least some idea of the pain and suffering that they go through.”

Other changes to penalties which come into force also affect people who are in their first two years of driving.

Their licence will automatically be revoked and they will have to re-sit their test.