A grave incident on the A267 near the Kent border has led to a four-month suspended sentence for Joshua Keen, a 24-year-old factory worker from Maidstone. The accident occurred on January 16 last year when Keen, driving a white Peugeot Partner van, veered into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with a Hyundai, driven by a 43-year-old local woman.
Both drivers sustained life-changing injuries in the collision, which was captured on Keen’s dashcam showing his erratic driving moments before the impact. The footage revealed Keen weaving dangerously close to the verge and crossing the central white lines.
On April 18, at Lewes Crown Court, Keen admitted to causing serious injuries by careless driving. In addition to his suspended sentence, he was banned from driving for one year. This case underscores the peril of careless driving, which continues to be a leading cause of severe accidents on UK roads.
Throughout April, Sussex Police have intensified patrols to educate drivers about the “fatal five” driving behaviours that significantly increase the likelihood of fatal or serious accidents. These behaviours include drink and drug driving, excessive speeding, non-use of seatbelts, and distracted driving, such as using a mobile phone.
The victim, who has spent several weeks in recovery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and continues her rehabilitation, expressed her distress, noting the irreversible impact on her life and her family. She emphasized the necessity for constant vigilance on the road to prevent such devastating outcomes.
PC Richard Brand from the Roads Policing Unit highlighted the responsibility that comes with driving: “Any lapse in concentration can lead to profound consequences.” This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical need for all drivers to maintain focus and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent such tragic occurrences
