Lorry Driver Jailed for Dangerous Phone Chat Causing Serious M20 Crash
A lorry driver who triggered a horrific motorway pile-up near Ashford while glued to his phone has been slammed with a two-year jail sentence.
Collision on M20 Leaves Two Seriously Injured
At around 8am on Wednesday 21 February 2018, 44-year-old Jeremy Didisse smashed his lorry into four stationary vehicles queuing to exit the coastbound M20 at Junction 10.
The lorry crushed a Mini Cooper and a Seat Ibiza. Both drivers – a man and a woman – suffered serious injuries and were rushed to a London hospital.
Using Hands-Free Phone Left Driver Distracted
Kent Police uncovered that Didisse had been on phone calls for nearly three hours before the crash, using a hands-free kit behind the wheel.
He was slapped with two counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Sentenced and Banned: A Warning to All Lorry Drivers
Didisse, from Avenue Ferber, Marquise in France, admitted guilt at Canterbury Crown Court on 21 February 2020. He was sentenced to two years in prison and banned from driving for five years. He must pass an extended driving test before returning to the road.
“Although there are a number of legal hands-free devices that drivers can use, they are a recognised distraction for motorists,” said PC Daniel Perez of Kent Police’s Roads Policing Unit.
“Didisse failed to react to the queuing traffic ahead of him because he was too busy focussing on his phone conversation. Two people were seriously injured that day but there could have easily been fatal consequences.
When you drive a large vehicle such as a lorry, regardless of your experience, it is crucial you give it your full attention.”
