The still and moving images document what happened after a car driver became distracted while using a phone when driving on the M1 motorway in 2014. The driver lost control of her car, forcing the delivery vehicle onto the opposite carriageway.
The resulting crash claimed the life of a driver and left another severely injured.
The East Midlands Operational Support Service (EMOpSS) issued the video as a warning to motorists of the dangers of driving while using a handheld mobile phone.
According to the EMOpSS, the driver who lost control of her vehicle as a result of using her mobile phone caused a fatal eight-vehicle crash, which involved the Carlsberg delivery lorry. There was no suggestion the driver of the delivery lorry acted improperly.
‘The largest collision site I have ever been to’
Detective constable Pete Davies, one of the investigating officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This was the largest collision site I have ever been to and it was a shock to see. It involved eight vehicles and the collision scene stretched for miles.”
He added: “Texting, accessing the internet are all things that should not be done while driving. The roads are so busy now that I think people should concentrate on the road not on their phone nothing is that important that it cannot wait.”
‘Nothing is more important’
The driver of the vehicle, which initiated the crash, a 38-year old woman was sentenced to five years in prison in July 2016, after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and perverting the course of justice.
Watch the police video – featuring an interview with one of the survivors of the crash below.
Meanwhile, drivers who use handheld mobile phones will face far tougher penalties from next year, the government warned recently.
Those convicted of using a handheld phone behind the wheel of their vehicle will face a £200 fine and six points on their licence.