Teen Driver Jailed After Hitting Pedestrian While High on Laughing Gas

A 19-year-old driver who struck a pedestrian after inhaling nitrous oxide behind the wheel has been jailed.

Louisa Tunstall was filmed using the substance—commonly known as laughing gas—via a balloon while driving her Fiat 500 in Wigan in May last year. Moments later, she lost control and veered onto the pavement, hitting a 51-year-old woman and leaving her with serious leg injuries.

Tunstall was sentenced to one year and eight months in prison at Bolton Crown Court on Tuesday. She admitted to possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. She was also disqualified from driving for two years and eight months and must pass an extended retest before regaining her licence.

The court heard that the crash occurred around 7pm on May 24 in the village of Lowton. Tunstall's car overturned after colliding with the pedestrian. Bodycam footage later showed a police officer questioning her about drug use, to which she did not respond, appearing visibly distressed.

Initially, Tunstall claimed she had been reaching for something in the footwell. She later admitted to purchasing nitrous oxide that evening with the intention of using it.

The victim, who is still recovering from her injuries, described the traumatic event in a statement read in court.

"Every night I go for a walk on the same route, usually with my daughter. That night, I was alone. Suddenly I was hit from behind and fell to the ground. I saw blood running down my leg and a white car overturned nearby. I couldn't believe what was happening—I felt like I was whispering for help," she said. "Now, whenever I pass the crash site as a passenger, I have to cover my eyes. I can't bear to look."

Greater Manchester Police's Roads Policing Unit has raised concerns about the increasing role of nitrous oxide in traffic incidents.

PC Stefan Bielizna warned: "Possession and especially use of nitrous oxide while driving has effects comparable to other drugs. It significantly impairs your ability to drive safely."

GV Hale