Driver Avoids Jail After Forgetting Glasses, Causing Serious Injury to Cyclist
A man who crashed into a cyclist because he forgot to wear his prescribed glasses received a suspended sentence and a driving ban.
Uchenna Agunenye, 48, has been handed a suspended sentence after failing to wear his glasses while driving, resulting in a collision that caused serious injuries to a cyclist. The incident occurred on Holderness Road in Hull.
CCTV footage captured Agunenye's silver Citroën C4 swerving and striking the cyclist, who was in a designated lane. The impact threw the woman from her bike and into a metal railing, leading to multiple fractures, including a broken leg, heel, and several toes, as well as lacerations and an elbow fracture requiring surgery.
Following the collision, police and members of the public rushed to the aid of the injured cyclist. A roadside breathalyzer and drug wipe conducted on Agunenye yielded negative results. However, an eyesight test revealed he had failed to meet driving requirements.
During police interview, Agunenye admitted to forgetting to wear his glasses, which he acknowledged as the cause of the accident. At Hull Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
Agunenye received a 14-month sentence, suspended for the period. He was also disqualified from driving for two years, requiring him to pass an extended driving test before regaining his license. Additionally, he was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work and pay £187 in compensation to the victim.
PS Matt Tuton of the Roads Policing Unit emphasized the importance of drivers ensuring they are fit to drive, particularly concerning eyesight. He stated, "If your eyesight has deteriorated, it is important to get your eyes checked. Being able to see is fundamental to safe driving. Any time you are behind the wheel of a vehicle, you are responsible to ensure that you are fit to drive for not only the safety of yourself and any passengers but also to members of the public. Our message is simple; drive safe, every time."
