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Van driver so distracted by phone call that he doesn’t register crash

A van driver has been caught on dashcam footage causing a smash with an HGV while chatting on his mobile.

dashcam footage
Dash cam footage from VisionTrack clearly shows the driver talking on his mobile phone.

The driver was so distracted by his phone call he didn’t even realise he had driven into the HGV – and raced away without stopping but was later presented with the VisionTrack dash-cash footage showing he was to blame. As a result of the crash, the lorry needed substantial repairs due to damage to the bodywork, front headlamp and front grill.

The driver could now face getting six points on his licence and a £200 fine under tough new driver distraction rules.

VisionTrack enterprise manager Phil Morrell said: “What is so disturbing about this footage is that the van driver was so wrapped up in his mobile phone call he wasn’t even aware that he had smashed into the lorry.

“It is absolutely certain that mobile phone distraction will lead to more deaths on UK roads unless we crack down on this now.

“It should be as socially unacceptable as drink driving but motorists still do it routinely when they are behind the wheel even when they have passengers.”

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Written by Natalie Middleton

Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.

Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news.

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