Drug Driving Arrest After Three Killed in HGV Collision

A lorry driver has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving following a fatal incident on 25 August 2021. The crash, which claimed the lives of three victims, highlights the seriousness of driving under the influence of illegal substances.

The incident occurred on the A303 near Andover in Hampshire, and involved a Vauxhall Astra, a food delivery van, a recovery vehicle, and the HGV. One of the victims, Ms Alex Britton, had pulled into the side of the road having experienced difficulties. Mr Tom Watson and Ms Tina Ince stopped to assist her, and all three were killed when the HGV collided with their vehicles.

The HGV driver was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and of driving a vehicle while unfit to do so through the use of drugs.

The law regarding drugs and driving is the same for HGV drivers as it is for the operators of other vehicles. It is illegal to drive if you are unfit to do so as a result of illegal drugs in your system, or if the level of illegal drugs in your system is above a specified cut-off. Drivers should be aware that this legislation applies not only to illegal drugs, but also to driving whilst taking certain prescription medications including amphetamines, diazepam, and morphine.

This incident has the potential to be career-ending for the HGV driver involved. If it is found that their driving was impaired as a result of drugs in their system, it is highly likely that their vocational operator's licence will be revoked alongside other penalties including a significant fine, the possibility of a custodial sentence, and a criminal record.

Contact our team for help and guidance regarding HGV driver drug offences.