Truck driver on phone smashed into car while undertaking

Shocking dashcam footage of a crash caused by an undertaking truck driver has been released by police.

Flatbed driver Craig Barlow, who caused the accident on the northbound A1 near Newark in Nottinghamshire on August 8, was later found to have been on his phone.

The footage initially shows the 34-year-old trying to undertake a silver Mercedes but he fails to do so before reaching a lorry.

Second later, he clips the lorry's front right cornet and smashes into the inside barrier, before swerving back across the road and ploughing into the Mercedes A-Class, which was being driven by a 46-year-old woman. Fortunately, no one was injured in the smash.

See Also: Police film lorry driver checking phone with foot on dashboard

See Also: New campaign targets drivers still using their mobile phones

Barlow, of Bridge Court, Newark, was found guilty of dangerous driving. He was banned from driving for a year, fined £1,085, given a 12-month community order and told to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work. In addition, he must pass an extended driving test before returning to the roads.

Det Con Nick Wood, of Nottinghamshire Police, said afterwards: "Luckily, there were no injuries as a result of Barlow's dangerous driving, but to be honest I don't know how. The manner in which he was driving combined with the fact he was on his phone is a recipe for devastation.

"This should act as a warning to everyone of the dangers of using a mobile behind the wheel – don't do it."