Lorry Driver Sentenced to Prison After Fatal Distraction on A46
A lorry driver who fatally struck a father after taking his eyes off the road for approximately four seconds has been handed a prison sentence of four years and five months. Colin Longbottom, aged 63, admitted to causing death by dangerous driving following a collision on the A46 northbound near East Bridgford on December 12, 2024.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The court heard that Longbottom was operating a built-in touch screen to deactivate his fog lights moments before crashing into Daniel Loft's stationary flatbed truck, which had broken down. Daniel Loft, a father of two known as Danny, had just exited his vehicle via the passenger side door when he was struck.
He sustained severe head injuries and was rushed to Queen's Medical Centre, where he remained in intensive care for over three weeks. Despite medical efforts, his injuries proved fatal, and he passed away on December 3, 2024.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During the sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday, February 10, Judge Rupert Mayo emphasized the tragic nature of the case. He stated, "These cases are always unbelievably tragic. There are no winners in cases such as these." The judge noted that Longbottom's failure to observe the hazard ahead while distracted constituted dangerous driving.
Longbottom, residing on Woodhouse Road in Wakefield, received a five-year driving ban in addition to his prison term. Internal CCTV footage from the lorry's cab revealed he had been looking down for prolonged periods and taking only intermittent glances at the road prior to the collision.
Investigation Findings and Driver's Admission
Police investigations confirmed that Longbottom's eyes were off the road for about four seconds before impact. In a police interview, he acknowledged using the touch screen but admitted his driving fell far below the standards expected of a competent driver.
Further examination of his mobile phone showed he had been using the device for Facebook messages and calls shortly before the crash, though not at the exact moment of collision. These activities were not conducted via voice activation, highlighting a pattern of distraction.
Impact on the Victim's Family and Community
Danny Loft's wife, Holly, paid a heartfelt tribute, describing her husband as an amazing father, husband, son, and brother. She said, "Our family has been left completely broken after the loss of the most amazing husband, father, son and brother." Danny was actively involved in football coaching for Cotgrave FC and ran his own soccer school in Cropwell Bishop, making his loss deeply felt in the local community.
Collision investigator Georgina Luke of Nottinghamshire Police remarked, "In just a few short moments, a life was lost and it should not have been." She expressed hope that this case would serve as a stark reminder to all drivers about the critical importance of maintaining focus on the road.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
This case underscores the devastating consequences of distracted driving, even for brief periods. Authorities urge drivers to prioritize attention to the road to prevent similar tragedies. The family has thanked the police and BRAKE, a road safety charity, for their support throughout the investigation.
