Careless driver keeps licence

Motorist who caused three-car crash has nine penalty points imposed

A man who caused an Angus road crash has kept his licence after appearing in court.

Stephen Smart from Dundee turned left on to the A90 at Murroes when he saw a heavy goods vehicle begin to indicate for his junction and slow down.

But he failed to notice two cars passing the lorry on the dual carriageway’s outside lane.

One smashed into the side of his car and the other crashed into a barrier at the side of the dual carriageway, causing injuries to Smart and both of the female drivers.

The 43-year-old offshore worker appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted a charge of careless driving that led to the accident on June 17 this year.

The first offender, a former fireman, was given a maximum number of penalty points as an alternative to disqualification.

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the weather was clear but the road was damp, with heavy traffic.

“Around 3pm witnesses Reynolds and Antill were travelling south on the A90 to Dundee,” he said.

“As the HGV was slowing down to turn left at the Murroes junction, the two cars went into the outside lane to pass.

“As the accused pulled out, witness Reynolds’ car then drove into him.

“The second vehicle with witness Antill then took evasive action into a crash barrier,” said Mr Kermode.

Jane Reynolds sustained a broken foot, the accused was taken to Ninewells Hospital with a pelvic fracture, and Sallie Antill was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Defence agent Ian Flynn said his client had checked the road before leaving the junction and did not see the cars behind the lorry.

“He said he had checked there was nothing coming, and only when the lorry started to turn does he pull out,” he said.

“He was struck by one car and another swerved to avoid it.

“Mr Smart was not seriously injured but did have a fractured pelvis and was unable to move around for four weeks.

“He was a part-time fireman with the Broughty Ferry station and attended several road traffic accidents, and is very remorseful at being involved in one.”

Sheriff Gregor Murray imposed nine penalty points and a £700 fine.

“I appreciate you’ve got a clean licence but this case, as far as careless driving goes, is pretty serious,” he told Smart.

“You should be aware that if there’s an HGV coming at you in lane one, there may be traffic behind it in lane two.

“Ordinarily I must discount the number of penalty points for your early plea, but I will give you the maximum number as an alternative to disqualification.”

Smart, of Cortachy Crescent, admitted driving carelessly on the A90 Forfar to Dundee road.

Stephen Smart from Dundee turned on to the dual carriageway at Murroes when two cars were coming towards him.