'This has ruined our lives'

Carol Pattinson, 32, died when the car driven by her husband Richard was rammed from behind by a lorry whose driver was hanging up his mobile phone. The driver later admitted careless driving and was fined £250 and given six penalty points.

The tragedy, in September 1996, prompted Mrs Pattinson's parents to launch a campaign for action against drivers using mobile phones, backed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Mrs Pattinson's father, Robert Hammond, of Draycott, Staffordshire, said: "You think that something like this will never happen to you. This has totally ruined our lives.

"It's as bad as drink-driving, because you're not in charge of the vehicle. Mobile phones should be banned while the vehicle is in motion."

Mr Hammond's wife, Val, added: "When she left, Carol was bubbling with excitement. Just three days later we had to identify her in a mortuary. She was a mess. It was a nightmare."