Dashcam footage might make you think twice about drink driving

If you haven’t yet realised just how dangerous drink driving can be, watch this footage. It might make you think twice.

The woman driving the silver Vauxhall Corsa was travelling eastbound along the A50 near Findern on 19 June 2021.

As she begins overtaking the lorry, she starts to swerve. Then, she completely loses control and collides with the HGV- flipping her car onto its roof.

Unbelievably she escaped her car with the help of other motorists who stopped at the scene with a grazed knee and some pain from the seatbelt.

The 39-year-old, from Leicester, failed her roadside breath test- and blew 140, which is three times above the limit of 35.

A later blood test showed there were 254 milligrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood, while the limit is 80.

It could have been fatal. At worst she could have killed herself or someone else.

Sergeant Scott Riley of our Roads Policing Unit said: “This collision could have easily had fatal consequences, for the driver or for others. It also has a huge impact on the families of those affected. Please think, is it really worth putting yourself or others in danger for the sake of a drink?

“Any amount of alcohol affects your ability to drive, and while the summer might be coming to an end, we will be continuing to target those who choose to ignore our advice and get behind the wheel while under the influence of drink or drugs.”

The woman was charged with driving a vehicle while above the legal alcohol limit. She pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Leicester and Rutland Magistrates Court on Monday 6 June 2022 to eight weeks in prison, which was suspended for 18 months.

She has been disqualified from driving for five years, placed on a daily curfew for eight weeks, and has been ordered to pay costs and a victim surcharge.

Are you concerned about your drinking, or the drinking habits of a friend or family member? Drinkaware.co.uk have some useful advice or support.

If you witness someone driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs, and the crime is taking place, please call us on 999.

To report a non-emergency incident please contact us via any of the below methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.