Driver Avoids Jail After Forgetting Glasses, Causing Serious Injury to Cyclist
A man who failed to wear his prescribed glasses and crashed into a cyclist has received a suspended sentence.
A 48-year-old driver who admitted to forgetting to wear his glasses caused a cyclist to suffer multiple broken bones and require surgery. Uchenna Agunenye of Hull, England, was sentenced to a 14-month suspended sentence for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
CCTV footage captured Agunenye behind the wheel of his silver Citroën C4 as he swerved off the road and collided with a cyclist who was in a designated lane. The impact threw the woman from her bicycle, causing her to hit a metal railing. She sustained a broken leg, heel, and several toes, along with lacerations and a fractured elbow that necessitated surgery.
Emergency services and members of the public rushed to the cyclist's aid following the collision on Holderness Road. Agunenye's vehicle continued down the road after the initial impact, according to the footage.
Officers at the scene conducted breath and drug tests, both of which were negative. However, a roadside eyesight test revealed Agunenye failed to meet the required standard. Subsequent investigation confirmed that his driving license stipulated the mandatory use of glasses, which he had neglected to wear. He confessed to forgetting his glasses during police interviews.
In addition to the suspended sentence, Agunenye was disqualified from driving for two years, with the disqualification lasting until he passes an extended driving test. He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay the victim £187.
PS Matt Tuton of the Roads Policing Unit emphasized the severity of Agunenye's actions, stating, "The actions of Agunenye that day were careless and reckless and whilst the cyclist is lucky to be alive, the physical and psychological impact this collision will continue to have on her for the rest of her life is unimaginable." He added, "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."