Drink-driver shot across two lanes and into a ditch

THE driver of a Ford Fiesta ended up in a ditch after shooting across two lanes of traffic near the A38.

Police found the car in a ditch on the A5132, near Carriers Road, Etwall, on Saturday.

The driver had exited the A38 and planned to take a left turn, only to career straight ahead instead and land himself in a ditch.

A number of passing vehicles checked on the safety of the driver, who was luckily uninjured. No other people were hurt in the crash.

A spokesperson for the Swadlincote Police Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Whilst travelling along the A5132 towards Carriers Road on Friday evening,

October 8, one of your local officers was shocked to see a Fiesta face down and sideways in the ditch.

“The vehicle had careered off the road only moments before.

“Thank you to the three helpful passers-by who had stopped to check on the driver’s condition, it is much appreciated.

“The driver who, after exiting the A38, instead of turning the planned left onto the A5132 managed to shoot straight ahead, across two lanes of traffic on a 50mph road, mounting the kerb and landing in the ditch, before remarkably escaping unhurt and without hurting anyone else.”

They explained how officers on the scene suspected alcohol had been involved and conducted a breathalyser test.

They added: “On speaking to the driver, Officer Kerry detected a smell of alcohol. Further officers attended and confirmed that the driver had failed the breath test, blowing almost double the legal limit.

“Instead of the planned Friday night fun with friends the night ended up with a free ride to custody.”

The SNT’s “Officer Kerry” said: “I am amazed that the driver escaped from this unscathed and so thankful that no-one else was hurt.

“The A5132 is a dark 50mph road; this could have ended up with devastating consequences.

“Please do not get behind the wheel of your vehicle if you have been drinking.

“On this occasion the driver is the only one who will be losing out from their actions but this could have ended very differently.”