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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Saffron Otter

'Idiot' driver smashes into lorry after attempting to overtake three vehicles on A54

Footage of an 'idiot' driver who attempted to overtake three vehicles before smashing into the back of a HGV has been caught on a dashboard camera.

Scott Lowe was driving along the A54 'in a rush' where he then crossed over the double white lines to overtake two cars.

Before attempting a third vehicle, the shocking footage shows the 30-year-old slamming the brakes on his Seat Ibiza to avoid a head-on collision.

He later told police that he had been 'an idiot'.

Fortunately, no one was hurt in the crash.

Car crashes into lorry on Snake Pass

Mr Lowe, from Brimington, pleaded guilty on Thursday to one count of dangerous driving at North Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court.

He was handed a 15 month disqualification from driving and must take an extended test to regain his licence, a year community order with 240 hours of unpaid work, £85 in costs and a £85 victim surchage.

The collision happened on the A54 between Buxton and Congleton, Derbyshire, at 8.30am on Tuesday, May 14 of this year.

The car had to grind to a halt to avoid oncoming traffic (Derbyshire Constabulary/YouTube)

PC Kev Harrell, who was first at the scene of the collision, said: "It is only through good fortune that nobody was seriously injured, or even killed, as a result of Scott Lowe’s actions.

"When I attended the scene I asked Lowe what had happened and he replied that he had ‘been an idiot’, that he was ‘in a rush’ and thought he had space to overtake - clearly he did not.

"Scott Lowe took a huge gamble with his own life and the lives of the other road users that morning – all because he was in a rush.

"Any road can be fatal, however, the A54 has a reputation as being a dangerous route. If people did not drive in a manner similar to that of Scott Lowe then I have no doubt that reputation would diminish."

The crash forced the car into the air (Derbyshire Constabulary/YouTube)

The police officer left a final 'simple' message for drivers.

Smoke and debris as the car bounced back (Derbyshire Constabulary/YouTube)

"My message to drivers is simple – follow the clear signposting and road markings, drive in a manner suitable for the conditions and leave enough time for your journey.

"Should you fail to heed that advice then know that I and my colleagues will seek to prosecute all those that put themselves, and others, at risk."

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