Drug-driving warning as footage shows car flipping on to side and crashing into stationary vehicle
Three people narrowly escaped serious injury after the car careered into a stationary vehicle at a toll booth on the M6.
Thursday 30 September 2021 18:25, UK
Footage showing the terrifying moment a car, driven by a "reckless" drug-driver, flipped on to its side and smashed into another vehicle, has been released by police.
Three people narrowly escaped serious injury in the collision at a toll booth in Great Wyrley on the M6 on 25 August last year, Staffordshire Police said.
The force's central motorway police group released the clip as part of a warning against taking drugs and driving.
It shows the moment the driver loses control of his car and smashes into the other vehicle and the booth in Norton Canes at about 10am.
The toll booth operator sustained injuries for which she is continuing to receive treatment.
The drug-driver, now aged 28, who cannot currently be named for legal reasons, was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving.
Swab samples taken from him showed he had several controlled drugs in his system at the time of the collision.
The man was later convicted of the offence and sentenced to 14 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.
He was also disqualified from driving for three years, ordered to take an extended re-test and told to carry out a number of hours' community service.
Speaking of the incident, Inspector Sion Hathaway, of the force's CMPG (central motorway police group), said: "This was a terrifying incident for the individuals caught in the consequences of this reckless driver's decision to take drugs.
"It is a miracle that no one was seriously injured.
"I hope that this footage presents a real warning to anyone who is thinking about getting behind the wheel in an intoxicated state. You not only risk your own life, but the lives of others."