(Image: East Riding of Yorkshire Council)
A 20-YEAR-OLD driver has been jailed for causing the death of a pensioner after crashing into the back of him in heavy traffic.
Ryan Richardson, from Brough, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court today (August 10) to two years and eight months in prison after he admitted to causing death by dangerous driving.
He was also disqualified from driving for six years.
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The crash happened on the M62 at around 4.45pm on February 26, 2025, between junctions 37 at Howden and 38 at North Cave, when motorway was reduced to two lanes due to roadworks, with a 50mph speed limit in place.
A spokesperson for the force said: "The traffic was heavy and almost at standstill, but Richardson, who was driving a Toyota Yaris and approaching the traffic, failed to slow down and continued to drive at 67mph before subsequently colliding into the back of a Toyota Aygo.
"The driver of that car, a 68-year-old man, unfortunately died at the scene"
During his police interview, Richardson admitted being distracted by his mobile phone while scrolling through songs on a music app.
Sergeant Rob Mazingham, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This tragic incident and the actions of Richardson on that afternoon in allowing himself to be distracted by a mobile phone show only too clearly that it only takes one second to take a life.
"By using his mobile phone whilst driving, Richardson has caused the death of a man whose family will have to live with their heartbreaking loss for the rest of their lives.
"Every fatal collision we attend is a tragedy that didn’t need to happen, and behind every incident is a person – someone’s parent, partner, child, sibling, or best friend. In almost every case, it could have been prevented. Our message is simple: Drive safe, every time."