Warning to Drivers: Take Breaks to Prevent Fatalities
A warning has been issued by PC Craig Pearson, a serious collision investigator with Warwickshire Police, after a man was jailed for causing the death of a passenger in a van collision on the M40 near Warwick.
TAKING a break when driving, especially at night, can be the difference between life and death.
The incident occurred in May 2024 when Legard Swaby was driving from London to Birmingham. The van crashed into the back of a lorry at 91 miles per hour with no attempt to break or steer, resulting in catastrophic injuries to the passenger, who later died in hospital.
- The investigation, led by PC Pearson, found that the circumstances of the collision were consistent with fatigue.
- Swaby claimed he was trying to wake the passenger to take a turn at driving at the time of the collision.
Author's summary: Driver jailed for fatal collision after failing to take a break.