Rubbernecking drivers who took pictures of lorry crash criticised by police

Police have criticised more than a dozen ‘rubbernecker’ drivers who took pictures of an overturned lorry following a crash.

The drivers were caught leaning out of their vehicles to capture images of the vehicle which overturned on a busy dual carriageway in the east of England.

Norfolk traffic cops who were busy clearing the crash site were forced to report a total of 13 drivers – most behind the wheel of heavy goods vehicles.

Police took to social media to complain about the drivers.

‘Really disappointing to see… I do not want anyone to be hurt & using a phone whilst driving is a main factor in fatal / serious injury collisions #Fatal4 #EyesOnTheRoad,’ said Sgt Chris Harris, of the Norfolk and Suffolk Roads and Armed Policing Team on Twitter.

Drivers caught using a mobile phone while driving can face a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence.

The crash happened on the A11 near Thetford, Norfolk, on Wednesday.

A Norfolk police spokesman said the lorry was not thought to be carrying any hazardous material.

On Twitter, cops added: ‘Central team 1193 have been dealing with an overturned lorry on the A11 at Thetford all morning.

‘Whilst dealing they have also reported 13 drivers, majority HGV drivers, for driving and using their mobile phones to take photographs of the RTC [road traffic collision].’

Other people responded to the police’s social media messages calling for a crackdown on drivers using their phones while behind the wheel.