A roads worker who caused a serious crash while attempting a U-turn on the M74 has been ordered to pay £5,000 compensation to a woman who suffered a broken leg.
Gary Miller, 52, of Ruchazie, Glasgow, admitted causing serious injury by driving dangerously while under the influence of alcohol. His flatbed van was hit head-on by a Mercedes car, whose 29-year-old driver was injured in the collision.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Miller, who has two previous convictions for drink-driving, was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work and was banned from driving for five years.
Crash on M74 near Blackwood
Prosecutor Robbie McDougall said the crash happened on the M74, near junction 9 Blackwood, on February 28 last year. Police officers travelling north at 8.30pm noticed Miller's works van on the hard shoulder with its amber lights on.
Mr McDougall told the court: “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 sentencing
The Mercedes driver underwent surgery on her knee, which was broken in three places. Her 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.”
Sheriff Colin Dunipace had warned Miller he could be jailed but, after studying background reports, decided on an alternative to custody.
