Company car and van drivers have been labelled ‘dangerous’ by police after being caught filming and photographing a crash on the M1 in Northamptonshire.
The ‘rubberneckers’ were using mobile phones to record emergency workers, who were trying to free a trapped woman, while they drove past on the opposite carriageway.
However, they are now facing disciplinary action from their employers after police officers attending the scene became so appalled by their behaviour they decided to film what they were doing.
Sergeant Nick Gray, from Northamptonshire Police’s collision investigation unit, said: “I am astounded that people not only use their mobile phones to talk on while driving, but would also use them to take pictures, especially at the scene of such a serious road traffic collision.
“The drivers showed a total disregard for the law and the devastation which would be caused to their own or another family in a fatal traffic collision.”
The collision took place at 6.20am on the southbound carriageway of the M1 on June 14 and involved a lorry being driven by a 21-year-old woman who was trapped in the vehicle for four-and-a-half hours.
While the other emergency services were working to free the driver, police officers noticed motorists on the opposite carriageway were taking footage of the scene of their mobile phones.
They set up a camera to record the motorists going past and found 80 used a mobile phone or camera to take pictures of the scene; many were ‘professional’ drivers.
The seriously injured driver was flown by air ambulance to a local hospital and survived the accident.
However, the behaviour of other road users on the day left Sgt Gray surprised and shocked. “We were astonished to see so many motorists using their mobile phones to capture an image of what was a horrific collision,” he said.
“We have written to the owners of the vehicles where the driver was using a camera and a formal record, including photographic evidence, will be retained.
“In a number of cases where the motorist was using a vehicle belonging to their employers, the employers have contacted us requesting more information so they can take internal disciplinary action.”
Sgt Gray said the force had taken the decision not to prosecute the motorists in a bid to educate them about the consequences of using a mobile phone while behind the wheel.
He said: “It is every motorist’s responsibility to make sure they follow the law and no phone call, picture or text message is important enough to risk your own, or other road users’ lives.”
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
Bob - 03/09/2012 12:08
What do you mean the police will not take action? I think that's appalling and setting the scene for other motorists to now appeal their fine/points. I think the police should fine the lot and 3 points for each drive. I find it an absolute shambles the number of people using their phones when driving.