Drunk Driver Jailed After Causing Head-On Crash While Driving Wrong Way

An individual has been imprisoned following a serious head-on collision she caused by driving under the influence against traffic on a dual carriageway. According to Sussex Police, Amelia King, 22, of Horley, Surrey, disregarded ‘no entry’ signs on the A2011 Crawley Avenue exit slip road. She proceeded for over half a mile (1.25km) before her white Kia Rio collided with a black Nissan Leaf. The driver of the Nissan later testified in court that she was fortunate to have survived. The police further reported that during King’s sentencing, the judge characterized her actions as “utterly stupid and utterly dangerous”. King received a sentence of two years and eight months in prison at Lewes Crown Court, having pleaded guilty to charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with excess alcohol. Law enforcement officials stated that numerous other motorists encountered King and narrowly averted collisions with her prior to the incident, which occurred just before midnight on 19 April. King sustained a broken ankle and was transported to a hospital. A subsequent test revealed her blood alcohol content was no less than 92 milligrams per 100 millilitres, exceeding the legal limit of 80 milligrams. Police reported that a 23-year-old woman from Crawley, who was a passenger in King’s vehicle, required surgical intervention for a broken jaw, rib, arm, and back sustained in the collision. Her victim personal statement, presented in court, conveyed: “As much as I put on a brave face and smile, deep down this accident has absolutely destroyed me.” The 48-year-old woman from Horsted Keynes, who was driving the Nissan, sustained a broken rib and blunt force trauma to her abdomen. In her statement, she remarked: “I hope you will have seen the damage caused to my vehicle to understand how lucky I am to have survived this accident.” She further added: “I can honestly say that my life will never return to what it was.” Additionally, King received a driving disqualification for a period of five years and four months. For updates, follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.