Spanish driver involved in accident had momentary lapse when driving on the wrong side of the road

A SPANISH national involved in a road traffic collision near Enniscrone last year admitted to gardaí a short time after the collision that he was in fact driving on the wrong side of the road. Alejandro Gonzalez (39) of Avda Prudencio Gonzalez was charged with dangerous driving at Parke, Kilglass, Enniscrone, Co. Sligo, on October 17, 2022.

Garda Inez Leahy told Sligo District Court she received a radio call about the accident at Tubbercurry Garda Station. Arriving at the scene at 1.30pm, she observed two cars – the driver of the first vehicle was receiving medical attention and help from the fire services, and the driver of the second vehicle was a Spanish national with two friends as passengers.

The garda took the details of the Spanish driver who made certain admissions stating he was driving on the wrong side of the road. He was arrested and cautioned, and also breathalysed at the scene which he passed.

In reply to Sergeant Derek Butler Garda Leahy said speed was not an issue, adding that the defendant told the garda he was unfamiliar with the area and was in fact getting Google Maps out at the time of the accident.

The driver of the other car was air-lifted to Sligo University Hospital with suspected back injuries. It transpired he fractured two back bones but had no spinal injuries. He also sustained a broken right wrist.

Defending solicitor, Mr Tom MacSharry, said his client was a professional man who showed genuine sympathy and gardaí found him to be extremely co-operative.

He was driving in second gear when he came out of the house, and it was a “moment of disorientation” and “in Spanish terms he was on his right side of the road”.

He had made a full admission and took responsibility for his actions.

There was no prolonged dangerous driving – it was a momentary lapse. He and his colleagues were over here as tourists enjoying Sligo’s surfing and were genuinely remorseful.

The injured party’s brother had called to their house the night before.

Although he had been charged with dangerous driving, the traditional badges of dangerous driving were absent, and a careless driving charge was more appropriate in this case. He had no previous convictions.

Judge Sandra Murphy said as a tourist he had a responsibility to drive on the correct side of the road – it was extra important. However, she said she could see it was a momentary lapse of judgement.

She convicted the defendant of careless driving imposing a fine of €400 – cash bail payable forthwith and declined to disqualify him.

She commended Garda Leahy and Sergeant Butler for handling the matter so well.