Yahoo News 'Not a night goes by without nightmares': Cyclist shares 'shocking' video of drunk driver running her over
Watch: Drunk driver rams into cyclist before continuing to run her over
A pensioner who was knocked down by a drunk driver while she was cycling has shared the “shocking” footage to warn others.
Ex-cricketer Steven Selwood, 43, who used to play for Derbyshire County Cricket Club, left the woman in her 70s with life-changing injuries after ploughing into her while four times over the limit.
She was cycling over a crossroad in Haslemere, Surrey, last May when Selwood came out of a side road and smashed in her in broad daylight.
Shocking footage of the incident shows Selwood knocking the victim off her back before continuing to drive forward – crushing her under the wheels of his 4x4 as she lay on the ground.
Last month, Selwood, who drove off before walking back to the scene, was jailed for over two years after he was convicted of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving whilst over the prescribed alcohol limit.
Now, the victim has allowed the footage to be released to highlight the impact drink driving can have.
She described how she can no longer do many of her hobbies and is now scared to go near traffic.
In an impact statement, she said: “My sense of loss is deep, my trust in my world evaporated, my sense of hope gone.
“Not a night goes by without nightmares. My life has changed considerably since I was knocked down off my cycle.
"I used to be outgoing, talking a lot to others, going to church, back-packing. I did my own DIY and gardening.
“I was never frightened of traffic like I am today, absolutely terrified with a strong feeling it's going to happen again.
“My worst fear now is that my left leg will not hold me up through weakness which is happening more so these days plus my mental state is not too good.”
The victim added that she “doesn’t laugh any more” and gets “overwhelmed” with everyday occurrences.
Sergeant Joe McGregor, investigating officer for Surrey Police, warned of the dangers of drink driving after Selwood was jailed at Guildford Crown Court.
He said: “This footage is shocking to watch but it may serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by those who choose to drink and drive...
“The victim in this case has been left with lifelong physical and mental scars and has bravely said she wants her case to be a warning to anyone who thinks that it is acceptable to drive whilst under the influence. It isn’t. You are putting your life and the lives of others at risk.“
How drink-driving impacts lives: Read more
Drunk-driver hit elderly couple and crashed into hedge after 'vowing not to drive' (Yahoo News, 2 mins)
Drunk driver killed grandmother in horror crash after all-day drink binge (Yahoo News, 4 mins)
Drunk driver back in prison after killing care worker in second fatal crash (Yahoo News, 3 mins)
Drunken mum who killed two of her children in 72mph M1 crash jailed (Yahoo News, 3 mins)
Drink-driving: The facts
More than 200 people in the UK die every year as a result of a drink-driving related crash, according to road safety charity Brake.
The legal alcohol limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for driving is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood or 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – anything above this means you are breaking the law by driving or being in charge of a vehicle.
Police are allowed to stop and breathalyser drivers if they have reason to suspect they have been drinking or have been involved in a crash or committed another traffic offence.
The punishments for drink-driving vary depending on the offence but drink-drivers face possible imprisonment, driving bans and fines if found guilty – and simply being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink could mean up to three months in prison, a £2,500 fine and a possible driving ban.
