Bus Driver Jailed After Horrific Head-On Crash with BMW
Xavier Peediyakal, 32, from Swindon, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on July 7.
Deadly Bend Collision on A3102
On July 12, 2022, Peediyakal was behind the wheel of a double-decker bus cruising the A3102 between Calne and Lyneham. As he took a bend, his bus veered onto the wrong side and smashed into a BMW X6.
The BMW driver, a man in his 60s from Calne, suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries. He’s undergone several reconstructive surgeries and faces long-term wrist pain. A handful of bus passengers had minor injuries but escaped serious harm.
Police Blame Driver Fatigue for Crash
PC 1 from the Serious Collision Investigation Team said: “Peediyakal had been on shift for four hours and was driving to Chippenham for a 45-minute break. He showed clear signs of extreme tiredness but kept driving instead of stopping.
By pushing on, he risked the lives of himself, passengers, and other road users.”
PC Mayhew added, “Peediyakal showed remorse, but the judge wanted this sentence to send a message: tiredness kills. Large vehicle drivers have a duty to stop if they feel unsafe behind the wheel.”
“Thankfully no one died, but the victim – driving with his granddaughter – is left with serious injuries that have changed his life forever.”
Harrowing Impact on Victim’s Family
The injured driver spoke to the court about his ongoing trauma:
“My granddaughter was in the car when we crashed. I was unconscious and woke up hearing she was okay. The nightmares and disturbed sleep since have been awful.”
“I used to love keeping fit but now I can’t exercise. I fear I’ll lead a sedentary life, stuck in a chair with limited use of my arm.”
Harsh Sentence for Dangerous Driving
Peadiyakal received an 18-month prison sentence. He’s also banned from driving for 48 months and ordered to pay a £187 surcharge.
