Dog distraction behind wheel lands driver in jail after serious pedestrian crash
A Tadley driver has been locked up for 15 months after his dog distracted him, causing a horrifying crash that left a 78-year-old pedestrian with life-changing injuries.
BMW driver runs red light with dog chaos inside
Louis Bond, 24, from Fairlawn Road, Tadley, lost control on January 17, 2019. His BMW careered through a red light on Mulfords Hill while his dog jumped from the boot to the passenger seat. Trying to restrain his pet, Bond took his eyes off the road – with terrible consequences.
Pedestrian suffers horrific injuries
The victim, a 78-year-old woman, was hit hard. She broke both legs, fractured her right shoulder, and suffered a brain bleed. Hospitalised for over three months, she now needs a walking frame to get around.
Driver jailed and banned as police issue harsh warning
Bond pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He has been jailed for 15 months and banned from driving for two years after his release.
PC Chris Brown from the Roads Policing Unit said: “This case should serve as a warning to dog owners about just how dangerous not securing your dog in the car can be.”
“The victim was left with extremely serious injuries and it is lucky that she was not killed. I want to remind people about the serious consequences that come with distractions when you’re behind the wheel.”
“The Highway Code says that all pets must be kept suitably restrained in a vehicle so they do not distract or injure you, and we have seen here that failure to do so can be so dangerous. Please make sure your pets are secured, not just for their safety but for yours and other people’s safety as well.”
Road safety experts urge all drivers to secure their dogs properly – or risk deadly consequences behind the wheel.
