Police catch 18 motorists taking photos of lorry crash whilst driving

Police have caught 18 drivers taking photos of a lorry crash whilst behind the wheel. Officers in Haverhill have issued a warning that motorists should not snap or film collision scenes whilst they are driving. Officers were called at 5.25am on Thursday, August 22, to reports that a lorry had gone straight over a roundabout in Enterprise Way.

The driver of the lorry is not believed to have sustained any serious injuries, but he was taken to hospital for a check-up. Whilst in attendance at the collision, officers caught 18 drivers taking either photographs or videos of the scene. Those motorists can expect to receive a notice in the post requesting driver details, resulting in a GBP200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.

Officers also witnessed a van drive the wrong way around the roundabout and down a stretch of grass to avoid the closure. The driver of that vehicle can also expect to receive a notice of intended prosecution in the post for driving without due care and attention, they said. PC Wayne Sturman, of the Commercial Vehicle Unit, said: “It was incredibly disappointing to see so many people flouting the law in front of our eyes by taking photos or videos of the collision scene.

Two of the 18 people were themselves behind the wheel of an HGV, which was particularly thoughtless and negligent of them as professional drivers – especially given the collision involved a lorry and the damage they can cause.

Police have warned people not to take photos or videos while driving (Image: Suffolk Police)

“Using a phone whilst driving is dangerous – even more so in this scenario where drivers are likely to be further distracted by the collision scene.

Those drivers we caught will now pay the penalty both financially and with points on their licence – and if anyone was a new driver who has passed in the last two years, then six points means they will lose their licence.”