The clip shows two cars driving dangerously close to each other along a stretch of the M4 near Port Talbot in South Wales at speeds of up to 100mph:
The silver Mondeo and blue Mini are seen undertaking and tailgating one other, before the Mini driver loses control of his vehicle.
The Mini then careers across the carriageway and crashes into the roadside barrier, causing it to flip onto its roof and roll down the motorway.
South Wales Police released footage of the accident following the sentencing of the two drivers at Cardiff Crown Court last week.
Paul Carpenter, 44, from Surrey who was driving the silver Mondeo was sentenced to six months in prison and hit with an 18-month driving ban.
The driver of the written-off Mini, Wayne Sebury, 59, from Pontypridd, was handed an 18-month community order and disqualified from driving for 12 months.
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Speaking about the incident, PC Kathryn Matthews of South Wales Police said it was “sheer luck” that no-one was killed in the collision.
She said: “This incident was a classic case of road rage where two motorists have driven dangerously, at high speeds, undertaking, tailgating and flashing their lights.
“It is sheer luck that nobody was killed or seriously injured and the dash cam footage of the incident sends out a clear message about the consequences of driving in such an irresponsible manner.”
In 2018, data from Highways England showed one in eight (12.5%) casualties on England’s major roads are caused by drivers travelling too close to the car in front.
In response, Highways England launched its “Don’t Be A Space Invader” campaign, using the classic arcade game to highlight the dangers of tailgating.
For more information on tailgating, read our complete guide to everything you need to know to stay on the right side of law.
Copyright Press Association 2019. Motoring News articles do not reflect the RAC's views unless clearly stated.
