Driver Who Slept at Wheel Jailed After Crash Kills His Wife
A motorist who nodded off behind the wheel and caused a deadly crash has been locked up. Thomas Whibley’s sleep at the wheel led to a tragic collision that killed his 82-year-old wife.
Fatal Crash on Cranbrook Road
On April 13, 2019, at 5pm, Whibley was driving his Peugeot along Cranbrook Road, Tenterden, with wife Sylvia beside him. Around a bend, his car crossed the central white lines and smashed head-on into a Nissan coming the other way.
Emergency crews arrived quickly, but sadly, Sylvia Whibley was pronounced dead at the scene. The Nissan driver, a woman, suffered fractures and multiple bruises and was rushed to hospital.
Sleep Apnoea and Dangerous Driving
Kent Police’s Serious Crash Investigation Unit revealed 71-year-old Thomas Whibley had been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnoea. Yet, he hadn’t sought medical help since 2009 or informed the DVLA about his condition.
Worse still, Whibley had fallen asleep behind the wheel three times in the weeks leading up to the crash, between February 20 and April 6, 2019.
Justice Served: Prison and Lifetime Driving Ban
Whibley, from Temple Way, East Malling, admitted causing death by dangerous driving and serious injury by dangerous driving at Maidstone Crown Court on April 2, 2020.
On July 22, he was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison and disqualified from driving for life.
“This was a tragic incident caused by a driver who was aware he could fall asleep at any moment due to sleep apnoea,” said PC Dawn Smith.
“He caused the death of his wife and serious injury to a young mother and will have to live with the consequences for the rest of his life.”
“I urge all motorists to recognise tiredness and take breaks when needed,” she added. “Anyone with a medical condition affecting driving must inform the DVLA immediately.”
