‘It’s a crippling pain’: Grieving mother backs road safety scheme after son’s death on A30

A mother whose 19-year-old son died in a motorcycle collision on the A30 is sharing her heartbreak to help prevent other families suffering the same tragedy.

Emma Wilding lost her son Taylor Connors in June last year and has since become a supporter of Op SmartRide, a free road safety course for young motorcyclists across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Taylor was not speeding or riding erratically before the collision. The last person known to have seen him alive described how considerately he had overtaken them while they were cycling.

Speaking to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones ahead of the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, Emma described the devastating impact of losing her son.

“Some days I feel what I think could be described as strength, but other days it’s just crippling pain because I’ve seen my worst fear come to life,” she said.

“It can happen. There is no ‘That happens to other people’, it’s happened to us.

“There’s just before, and now there is after.”

Emma has turned her grief into a determination to improve road safety, attending all six Op SmartRide sessions held so far to share Taylor's story with young riders.

The scheme, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, combines classroom discussions with observed rides alongside Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's roads policing motorcyclists.

It aims to help inexperienced riders develop their skills, recognise potential hazards and make safer decisions on the road.

Emma hopes hearing about Taylor's death will encourage participants to think more carefully about the risks they face.

“As much as it is considered a classroom session, it’s not a classroom environment,” she said.

“It’s a conversation. Police officers are out on the observed ride giving the gift of their knowledge to these young people who deserve to learn it.

“We as a society owe it to these young people, who are just trying to exist in what can be a cruel and difficult world, we owe it to them to make it safe.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones praised Emma's determination to help others despite her devastating loss.

“Taylor’s death is a devastating reminder of how quickly lives can change and I would urge any young rider, or any parent whose son or daughter rides a scooter or motorcycle, to sign up for SmartRide,” she said.

“Hearing Emma’s story is heartbreaking, but yet such an important one to be told. Her courage to share Taylor’s story with us and with young riders on these courses is incredible.

“Emma is determined to do all she can to help spare other families from the pain that she now has, and I will do everything possible to support her in that quest.”

More information about Op SmartRide and other road safety initiatives is available at www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-roads.