My life was completely shattered in an instant on the highway

A man has told how his “life was completely shattered” the moment his pregnant partner was killed by a dangerous driver.

Calvin Buckley said his life was destroyed the day he lost his partner Frankie Jules-Hough and their unborn daughter Neeve in a crash on the M66. BMW driver Adil Iqbal filmed himself driving at speeds of 123mph as he swerved in and out of traffic on the motorway in Bury, Greater Manchester, before losing control and crashing into Frankie’s car.

Hollyoaks actress Frankie, 38, pulled her hard shoulder from a flat tire when the horrific accident happened on May 13 last year. Frankie, 38, and her unborn daughter, Neeve, died of their injuries days later, while Frankie’s two sons and grandson, who were also in the car, suffered injuries.

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Calvin now wants to raise awareness about the dangers of becoming distracted while using a mobile phone behind the wheel. He’s lending his voice and story to support a new campaign called ‘Touch’. Screen’, released today.

Calvin, from Oldham, said: “Two people have lost their lives as a result of someone using their phone while driving and to put it simply, my life has been ruined. I lost my partner and the chance to become a father, but it also affected many other people and the effects of this incident will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

“My life was completely shattered in an instant and now I’m trying to rebuild my life and make something positive out of it by supporting this campaign and vision zero strategy.”

Adil Iqbal was previously jailed for 12 years after admitting causing the death of Frankie Julia Hough and seriously injuring her nine-year-old son Thomas in a motorway crash. However, last October three appeal judges increased his jail term to 15 years after concluding that the original sentence was unduly lenient.

The touch. Safer Roads Greater Manchester’s Screen campaign is supported by the ‘vision zero strategy’ which aims to eliminate all life-changing deaths and injuries on Greater Manchester’s roads by 2040.

In the videos released as part of “Touch. Screen’ campaign, three drivers can be seen using their mobile phone behind the wheel and become increasingly distracted as they take calls, reply to messages, change songs or check directions.

As they continue to take their eyes off the road and focus on tapping the phone, they are too slow to react to what happens next, and the scene ends abruptly with a loud crash. In the campaign’s radio ad, Calvin’s voice can be heard warning drivers about the consequences of distracted driving.

Calvin said: “It’s become quite common for people to use their phone to check messages, send photos or change music while driving. The use of mobile phones in our society has increased, and for some people it is all they have known.

“But all it takes is a split second to be distracted, and when you take your eyes off the road anything can happen. You could hit another car, a pedestrian, or get hurt.

“Please do not touch your phone while driving. You could get fined, get points on your license or, more seriously, take someone’s life.”

Superintendent Gareth Parkin of Greater Manchester Police Special Operations said: “The road requires your full attention, regardless of mode of transport. Distractions such as cell phones and other portable devices can cause you to lose focus on the road and potentially miss an upcoming hazard.

“Using a mobile phone could lead to a fine, ban or worse, put someone’s life at risk. Even hands-free options can be distracting, so ask yourself if the call can wait.

“We have seen some devastating incidents over the years that have a significant impact on families, please don’t be the reason why you are the one stopping someone from coming home to their loved ones.”

The campaign encourages people to take these steps to avoid distraction while driving:

Stay focused.

Put your phone in a place where you won’t be tempted to use it, such as the glove box, a bag, or in your pocket.

Making sure passengers know not to create a distraction.

Finding a safe and legal place to stop if you need to make a call or text, or use your phone to change a song or check directions.

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