A professional lorry driver has been disqualified from driving after causing a multi-vehicle collision because he failed to properly clear his misted windscreen before setting off.
The Incident: A Preventable Crash
Christopher Tribe, 57, from Buckley, was operating his heavy goods vehicle on the B5129 at Sandycroft in Flintshire, north Wales, on December 3 last year when the accident occurred. Dashcam footage from his vehicle revealed he had limited visibility due to a heavily misted windscreen, peering through only a small clear patch as he drove.
The court heard how Tribe collided with the back of a minivan, smashing his own windscreen and forcing the smaller vehicle nose-down into a ditch. The impact also caused damage to other cars in the vicinity. Mold Magistrates Court viewed police drone photographs showing the minibus still pointing downward into the ditch with emergency services vehicles blocking the carriageway.
Consequences and Court Hearing
Prosecutor James Ashton told the court that Tribe had 'poor visibility due to his misted up windscreen' and noted that low sun conditions further complicated driving visibility that day. While no serious injuries were reported, the minibus driver and passenger sustained bruises, as did another motorist involved in the incident.
Defence representative Patrick Geddes acknowledged his client's remorse, stating: 'He's clearly remorseful and didn't minimise his behaviour. He's fully aware this could have resulted in serious injury – or worse.' Geddes also mentioned that while Tribe had used his phone during the journey, he wasn't using it at the moment of collision.
The cargo of glue being transported spilled across the road, creating additional hazards and cleanup requirements for emergency crews responding to the scene.
Winter Driving Warning
Magistrates chair Lucy Bureau described the event as 'a fairly horrific incident' while sentencing Tribe to a 36-week suspended prison sentence and an strong>18-month driving ban.
This case serves as a stark reminder to all motorists about the critical importance of ensuring full visibility before driving, particularly during colder months when windscreen misting and icing become more common problems. Properly clearing all windows, not just a small section, could prevent similar dangerous situations on UK roads.
