Lorry driver spared jail for crashing into stranded car and seriously injuring woman while checking Google Maps
This is the shocking moment a lorry driver crashed into a stranded car while checking his phone, leaving a woman with a fractured neck.
Cary Gordon was using Google Maps while driving along the A34 near Marcham, Oxfordshire, on 5 August last year.
Dashcam footage shows the lorry speeding towards a red Mercedes that had broken down on the road before crashing into it, sending the HGV crashing through safety barrier and hurtling into bushes.
The driver of the Mercedes, a woman in her fifties, had turned on her hazard lights to warn approaching motorists of the hazard ahead, but Gordon failed to see it while being distracted by his phone.
The woman suffered a spinal fracture in her neck, as well as cuts and bruises to her arms, head and one of her legs. The injuries have caused her to suffer headaches and sleepless nights.
The crash also caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the roadside barrier and the A34 was closed for some time.
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Gordon, 58, of Oakleigh Road, West Sussex, pleaded guilty to one count of dangerous driving at Oxford Crown Court.
He was sentenced on Tuesday to 14 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to undertake 150 hours unpaid work. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, had his licence endorsed and will have to take an extended retest.
He was also ordered to pay £425 in costs.
Investigating officer, PC David Burleigh of the Joint Operations Road Policing Unit based at Abingdon, said: “This incident highlights the seriousness of driving whilst distracted. The dangers it poses to road users and the ability to be in complete control of your vehicle when distracted.
“The victim is lucky to have only sustained the injuries she has but has had to go through months of rehabilitation. The emotional stress and ability to overcome the crash is testament to her strength and character.
“I would hope that this incident is yet another example to people as to why you should put your devices to one side and focus on driving.”
