Inattentive van driver ploughs into car prompting Essex Police to issue breakdown safety warning

ANGLIA 161223 BREAKDOWN CRASH CREDIT: ESSEX ROADS POLICING
The wreckage of the stationary Ford Focus that had broken down in Essex. Credit: @EPRoadsPolicing

Police have issued timely breakdown safety advice to drivers ahead of the festive travel rush after sharing a photo of a wrecked car.

Essex Police reminded drivers to always get out of their car if they break down after a van smashed into a stationary Ford Focus on the A13 at Stanford-le-Hope.

In a post on the social media platform X, the force said: "Thankfully the driver of this Focus which broke down in a lit area of the A13 at Stanford-le-Hope did just that before calling 999 while warning approaching traffic."

Officers added: "Sadly, a van driver wasn't paying attention and collided into it, propelling both into the bushes.

The wreckage of the car that had broken down Credit: @EPRoadsPolicing

"Thankfully no serious injuries and the driver will be dealt with for careless driving."

Police have reminded drivers they should always leave their vehicles and get out to safety if they break down in a dangerous place and call 999.

The remains of the van that hit the stationary car Credit: @EPRoadsPolicing

It comes as festive getaway traffic is expected to peak earlier than normal this year as Christmas Day falls on a Monday.

The AA predicts that Friday 22 December and Saturday 23 December will be the busiest days on the UK’s roads in the holiday period.

The AA estimates that 16.1 million car journeys will take place on 22 December and 16.4 million on 23 December.

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