Teenager steers car to safety after grandad dies at wheel

Nov 11 2008 by Andrew Hirst, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A TEENAGER bravely steered an accelerating car through traffic for quarter-of-a-mile and rammed it into railings after his grandad died at the wheel.

Police say 16-year-old Joe Crowther saved people from serious injury by his quick thinking on a main Huddersfield road.

Joe, from New Mill, had been to Town’s FA Cup first round FA Cup match against Port Vale at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday which Town lost 4-3 in a thrilling finish.

His grandad, 72-year-old retired company director George McGrow, was driving down Wakefield Road at Dalton at about 5.20pm when he suddenly collapsed at the wheel.

Joe first realised something was wrong when the Lexus did not slow down for a line of vehicles stopped at the traffic lights at the junction with Dalton Green Lane.

“The car began to veer to the left towards the pavement,” said Joe. “I grabbed the steering wheel and glanced across at grandad. He looked unconscious, yet his feet were still on the pedals and the car was going faster and faster.”