A driver has been banned from the roads after admitting causing serious injury by careless driving in a collision that left a motorcyclist with potentially life-changing injuries.
Paul Greenall, 45, of Benjamin Way, Healdsburg, California, appeared at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday (14th July), where he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving and driving without insurance.
He was disqualified from driving for 12 months, ordered to pay the victim £18,000 in compensation and fined £1,000.
The collision happened at around 3.35pm on Sunday, when Greenall, who was driving a Volvo V40, pulled out from a side road onto the A3102 near Spittleborough Roundabout into the path of a Kawasaki motorcycle.
The rider, a man in his 20s, suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
Following the sentencing, Wiltshire Police are urging motorists to remember the 'Think Bike' message, particularly during the busy summer months when more motorcycles are on the roads.
Roads Policing officer PC Paul Davis said:
Roads Policing officer PC Paul Davis said: “This was a needless collision in which a moment’s careless driving at a junction has left a motorcyclist with serious, potentially life-changing injuries.
“We have had a number of recent serious collisions involving motorcycles and I want to remind drivers of the importance of being aware of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users, particularly during the summer months.
“Before pulling out of junctions, turning, changing lanes or opening vehicle doors, drivers should consciously ‘Think Bike’ and check carefully for motorcycles that are harder to spot than larger vehicles.
“I would also encourage motorcyclists to take extra care on the roads, particularly by approaching bends, corners and junctions at safe speeds, as the consequences of not doing so, as we see all too regularly, can be fatal.”
Photo - Wiltshire Police Think Bike Campaign
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