A man has pleaded guilty to careless driving in North Yorkshire after swerving into the path of a police car. He was handed a substantial fine and nine penalty points on his licence.
The incident occurred in December 2025, when a police car was travelling west along the A64 near West Heslerton, responding to an emergency with sirens and blue lights.
On the opposite carriageway, an oncoming vehicle suddenly swerved into the police cars path, narrowly avoiding a head-on collision.
North Yorkshire Police have issued a video of the incident to demonstrate the importance of keeping your distance from the car in front, and observing the road ahead.
Watch here:
The oncoming driver had reportedly tried to avoid another car that had slowed down to a stop on the carriageway. However, the vehicle then crossed into the path of the oncoming police car.
Thankfully the officer’s quick reaction avoided a head-on collision.
Investigating officer, Traffic Constable Joseph Schramm, said:
“This footage clearly demonstrates why you should keep your distance from the car in front and be aware of what is going on around you including observing the road ahead.
“You must have enough space between you so that you can safely stop in the event of the vehicle in front coming to a stop.
“You can see how close the car came to hitting the police car head-on and the lack of awareness of vehicles on the opposite carriageway. The presence of the police car could not have been more obvious.
“The consequences could have been catastrophic for all involved. Thankfully the officer, driving on blue lights and sirens, took quick action to avoid the oncoming vehicle.”
The driver appeared at Scarborough Magistrates Court today (4 July). He was fined £415, ordered to pay £85 in CPS costs, as well as a £166 victim surcharge. He also received nine penalty points on his licence.