A tipsy roads worker caused a serious crash when he attempted a u-turn on the M74 in Lanarkshire. Gary Miller's flatbed van was hit head-on by a Mercedes car whose driver suffered a broken leg in the collision.
Admission and background
Miller, 52, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, admitted causing serious injury by driving dangerously while under the influence of alcohol. He also admitted driving with more than the permitted amount of alcohol in his bloodstream. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard he has two previous convictions for drink-driving.
Details of the crash
Robbie McDougall, prosecuting, said the crash happened on the M74, near junction 9 Blackwood, on February 28 last year. Police officers were travelling north at 8.30pm when they noticed Miller's works van on the hard shoulder with its amber lights on.
Mr McDougall told the court: "A Mercedes was about three cars in front of the police vehicle. The Ford Transit flatbed moved from the hard shoulder directly across lane one of the motorway with the driver failing to look out for approaching traffic. The Mercedes driver swerved into lane two but the van kept moving across and there was a head-on collision."
There was substantial damage to both vehicles and the Mercedes was lodged under the flatbed section of the van. Lights fell from the back of the van and were scattered across the carriageway, hitting other vehicles.
Injuries and aftermath
The 29-year-old female driver of the Mercedes was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery on her knee which was broken in three places. She required physiotherapy to help the recovery process. A female passenger had treatment for a minor fracture to her spine.
Mr McDougall added: "The accused freely stated to police that he had been trying to do a u-turn on the motorway in order to reach his work site, located between junctions 9 and 10. He had been engaged in traffic management activities. He failed a roadside breath test."
Court outcome
Sheriff Colin Dunipcae deferred sentence until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment. He told Miller: "This is an extremely serious matter and I'm greatly concerned that it's your third drink-driving offence. Be under no illusion, the court will look at all options."
