Heart-stopping footage shows the moment HGVs were forced to desperately swerve to avoid a car driving on the wrong side of the motorway.
The clip shows large vehicles and cars dodging at the last moment to prevent a disastrous collision on the M1 in Yorkshire. South Yorkshire Police have today released harrowing video evidence of a car travelling southbound in the northbound lanes near Junction 31 of the M1.
The incident, which happened on Saturday, March 9 at around 2:45 am, prompted “numerous calls” from alarmed motorists. National Highways’ cameras recorded the vehicle as it entered the motorway and continued in the wrong direction for two junctions before exiting, reports Yorkshire Live.
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Officers from South Yorkshire Police quickly intercepted the vehicle, and upon testing, the driver provided a breathalyser reading of 125mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath significantly over the legal limit of 35mg.
Inspector Matt Collings from the Roads Policing Group, said: “This sequence of driving could have had catastrophic consequences and caused a fatal collision as poor judgment meant the vehicle’s erratic driving continued for two junctions.”
He added a stern warning about drink-driving: “Alcohol seriously affects your judgement and reaction time, and you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if you are under the influence of alcohol.”
“Stopping those who pose a risk on our roads is daily business for officers across South Yorkshire. During April we are supporting the Fatal4 campaign, raising awareness of the main contributing factors of fatal and serious collisions.”
A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving and dangerous driving. He has been bailed while investigations continue.
