Wiltshire Police are reminding the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs following a collision in Swindon last year that left a motorcyclist in hospital.
On the evening of 13 August last year, we attended a road traffic collision between a car and motorbike on Pinehurst Road.
Video footage that we have released shows the moment a Yamaha motorbike collides with a silver Volkswagen Golf that was pulling out of a parking area and into the path of the oncoming bike.
Jordan Dodson, 27, of Cowleaze, Chippenham, who was the rider of the bike, was fortunate to only suffer a broken pelvis and broken left arm as a result of the collision that saw him thrown in the air, over the vehicle and land on the pavement.
Later tests of Dodson’s blood found he was over the drug limit and was also found with herbal cannabis in his rucksack.
On Friday (07/05), at Swindon Magistrates’ Court, Dodson was disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months, fined £240 and made to pay costs and victim surcharge.
The other driver in the collision was dealt with by way of a driver awareness course.
PC Paul Brewster of the Roads Policing Unit said: “This incident highlights how the impact of drugs in the system can impair your decision making process.
“Drugs have a detrimental impact on your ability to judge time and distance and this collision could potentially have been avoided if this was not a factor.
“It is only luck that Dodson wasn’t left with life changing injuries or worse.
“We urge anyone who thinks that getting behind the wheel of a vehicle or getting on their bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol to remember this video and let that act as a strong reminder of the clear dangers.
“Taking even a very small amount of an illegal drug could put you over the limit and the consequences could be catastrophic.”
If you are suspicious of someone driving dangerously or under the influence of drugs, then please call 101 and give as much information as possible, including the driver’s details or description and their car registration.
If you believe that a crime is being committed and somebody is already behind the wheel then please call 999.
If you have an issue with drugs, remember, support is always available and you can call FRANK anytime on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice.
