Lorry Driver Jailed for Deaths of Two Men After Being Distracted by Sat Nav
A Romanian lorry driver has been locked up for two years after causing a deadly crash that killed two men on a Dover road. Traian Soare, 51, lost control of his lorry while driving downhill on the A2 Jubilee Way late at night, smashing head-on into a car.
Deadly Collision on A2 Jubilee Way
Just before midnight on Sunday, 2 July 2017, Soare was driving towards the docks when he veered into the opposite lane. His lorry crashed into a black Nissan Qashqai travelling the other way. The car’s driver, 29-year-old Artem Larionov, and his passenger, 38-year-old Nikita Tsirelson, both from canterbury/" title="Canterbury" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Canterbury, died at the scene.
Distracted by Sat Nav, Driver Admits Error
Investigators found Soare had been distracted by his sat nav and wasn’t paying attention to the road. He pleaded guilty to two counts of causing death by dangerous driving at Canterbury Crown Court.
Harsh Sentence Reflects Tragic Consequences
- Soare sentenced to two years in prison
- Driving ban for two years and seven months
- Must pass extended driving test before returning to the road
Senior Investigating Officer Sgt Christopher from SCIU said: “Driving a lorry is a serious responsibility. Soare’s failure to stay in his lane led to the tragic deaths of two men. It’s a burden he will carry for the rest of his life. My thoughts remain with the victims’ families who have been incredibly supportive.”
