Watch the moment this texting driver crashes and overturns car
Sussex police have released shocking footage of the moment a driver crashed in Brighton and overturned their car after texting at the wheel.
The driver had to have an arm amputated after the incident last year.
The footage has been released by police to raise awareness of the ‘fatal five’ offences – speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless and inconsiderate driving.
It follows a week of action during which hundreds of offences were detected on the roads in Sussex.
Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Miller said: “Throughout the week, our officers provided education and enforcement with the ultimate aim to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads each year.
“We also responded to community concerns, and in addition to the ‘fatal five’ offences, we detected excess noise, tyre, licence and insurance offences, as well as antisocial driving and riding.
“Last year in Sussex, 39 people were killed in collisions. That’s 39 too many, and families often never recover from the tragic and unexpected loss of a loved one.
“This is also about listening to and responding to community concerns around antisocial driving and riding. That’s why we proactively patrol rural locations – as well as the main roads – as part of our daily routine roads policing, 365 days a year.
“Our priority is to keep everyone safe on our roads. This is done through raising awareness, which is generally very well received by the public, and cracking down on those who commit offences on our roads.”
The incident captured in the video occurred in Roedean Road IN Brighton, on 15th November 2019. The driver had been using his mobile phone at the wheel, and his arm had to be amputated as a result of the injuries he sustained.
The video's been released with the consent of the driver involved and the owner of the dash cam.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne commented: “I’m pleased to see active operations by police and partners to crack down on irresponsible driving on both our main and rural roads. I’m particularly impressed with the results from this week in support of Project EDWARD.
“The video being shared by Sussex Police is a shocking display of the consequences of dangerous driving and I am grateful to those that have agreed to share this. It really enforces the fact that we all use the roads and must share the responsibility of ensuring the safety of ourselves and others.
“Road safety will continue to be a top priority for Sussex Police because it matters to local residents. The sobering message from this video is not to drive irresponsibly because the consequences can be dangerous and life-changing.”