Shocking footage has led to the imprisonment of a van driver who caused a serious collision while opening a can of beer at high speed. The incident, which left two passengers with potentially lifelong injuries, underscores the deadly consequences of reckless driving.
The Reckless Drive and Horrific Crash
On the evening of August 3, John Doocey, 30, from Trimley St Martin in Suffolk, was behind the wheel of a Nissan NT400 flatbed van. He was travelling at approximately 80mph along the A133 in Frating, Essex. Despite what police described as 'extremely poor conditions', Doocey attempted to overtake other vehicles.
It was at this point that he lost control. The van's rear end began to fishtail violently, causing the vehicle to skid off the road. It then rolled before smashing into a tree, resulting in catastrophic damage.
Life-Altering Consequences for Passengers
The aftermath of the crash was severe for Doocey's two passengers. One was trapped in the wreckage and had to be freed by emergency services. The other managed to exit the vehicle independently. Both, however, sustained serious injuries that authorities warn 'could affect them for the rest of their lives.'
While Doocey was able to walk away from the van, his passengers were not so fortunate. Essex Police later uncovered damning evidence: a video showing Doocey cracking open a can of Stella Artois beer while driving at 80mph just prior to the collision.
Sentencing and a Broader Warning on Road Safety
At Chelmsford Crown Court, John Doocey was sentenced to three years in prison for his actions. PC Harry Townsend of the Essex Police Roads Policing Team condemned the driver's 'reckless' behaviour, stating that driving is a privilege, not a right.
'He paid no attention to the conditions and drove way above his capability, causing a collision which has had a significant impact,' PC Townsend said. 'Looking at the speed and reckless nature of John Doocey's driving, this collision could easily have been a fatal one.'
The case highlights a persistent issue on UK roads. PC Townsend noted that more than 50 people have died on roads in Essex this year alone, with speed a major factor. National figures for 2024 reveal a grim picture:
- 1,602 fatalities on UK roads.
- Speed was a contributing factor in 59% of these deaths, the highest of any road safety factor.
- 29,467 people were killed or seriously injured.
- Total casualties of all severities reached 128,272.
A spokesperson for Essex Police stated the case serves as a stark 'example of the reckless behaviour our officers are working hard to identify and tackle each and every day.' They expressed relief that Doocey will be off the roads for the foreseeable future.
