THE TEENAGE driver of this smashed-up car has spoken of his lucky escape after crashing into a boulder on the A466 near Chepstow.

Newport college student Frazer Saunders, 19, was with his girlfriend when he lost control of his Toyota Yaris between St Arvans and Tintern on November 5. He considers himself lucky to have escaped with only minor injuries.

Mr Saunders said: “I don’t fully recall the collision but I remember driving along the road which was wet and covered in leaves at around 50 miles per hour.

“As I negotiated a left hand bend the back end seemed to step out. I felt calm and thought I had control and I didn’t think there would be a problem. The back end suddenly kicked out and I was going more and more sideways.

“I can’t remember hitting the boulder but having seen the damage to the car I can now see how lucky we were. I’m just glad we got out alive.”

Terry Lowman, Chepstow Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant, is urging drivers to take extra care on this notoriously dangerous road.

He said: “Fraser was exceptionally lucky to escape serious injury or worse. I’ve been working in the area for nearly 30 years and have dealt with no end of road collisions on this part of the A466. This time of year the road surface can be treacherous as a result of a mixture of rain and leaves from the forests.”

There have been 23 calls to the police regarding road accidents in the previous two years at this location.