Drink-Driver Crashes Into Police Car on A1 Near Tinwell
A police officer is fighting to recover after a drunk driver smashed into the back of a stationary patrol car on the A1 near Tinwell in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 August.
High-Speed Smash During Lane Clearance
Luke Johnson, 37, from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Crafter van when he crashed into the police car just before 1am. Officers were clearing a lane closure after recovering a broken-down vehicle.
One officer sat inside the patrol car while another was outside removing cones. The officer outside narrowly escaped injury by diving out the way as Johnson’s van hurtled towards them at high speed.
Serious Damage, Thankfully Minor Injuries
The impact left significant damage to the police car. The officer inside was injured but thankfully avoided serious harm. Emergency services raced to the scene, and Johnson failed a roadside breath test, blowing 113 microgrammes of alcohol per 100ml of breath—over three times the legal limit.
Johnson was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. At Barnsley Magistrates’ Court on 20 August, he pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without due care and attention. He was handed a community order with a nine-day rehab activity requirement, disqualified from driving for two years, and fined £336.
Police Speak Out Against Drink-Driving Madness
“It was pure luck that day that the officers involved were not more seriously injured. Johnson put lives at risk when he chose to drive after drinking, especially when officers were working on the roadside,” said Sergeant David McIlwhan.
A spokesperson for the BCH Road Policing Unit added, “Thankfully the two officers are recovering well, but this could have ended very differently. Drink driving will never be tolerated.”
Risks Police Face on Busy Roads
The harrowing incident highlights the constant dangers officers face when working on active roads. It remains unclear whether the police will seek to recover costs for the damaged patrol car from Johnson’s insurers.
