A 22 year-old woman, who hit a cyclist while driving in Norfolk in May and then tweeted about it, has been fined and given seven points on her licence.
After hitting cyclist Toby Hockley with her car and then driving off, Emma Way posted on Twitter, “Definitely knocked a cyclist off his bike earlier. I have right of way – he doesn’t even pay road tax! #Bloodycyclists”
David Robinson, a solicitor at Thompsons who specialises in serious road traffic accident claims and is Chair of RoadPeace in the North East, said: “Drivers’ attitudes to cyclists have to change. Ignorance about the law and ignorant comments on social media showed this driver’s complete disregard for her actions and how much she had to learn.
“Fortunately, Toby Hockley only suffered minor injuries, but at Thompsons we know only too well how devastating road traffic collisions can be for cyclists. The recent multiple tragedies in London speak volumes about cyclists’ vulnerability on the road.
“The message currently being promoted by Brake during Road Safety Week, is that driving while distracted can cost lives. Drivers need to stay focussed or face the legal consequences and potentially the long term guilt of a death on their conscience.”