A 39-year-old driver has been banned from the roads for a year following a dangerously reckless overtaking attempt that nearly resulted in a catastrophic head-on collision with a lorry. The harrowing incident occurred on a bend on the A350 near Semington, Wiltshire.
Dashcam footage reveals Emmanuel Sylva pulling out into oncoming traffic at speed, just as a large lorry was approaching. The lorry driver flashed his headlights to warn Sylva of the imminent danger. With less than half a second to react, Sylva swerved sharply back into the southbound lane, clipping the side of the lorry as he moved back.
The evasive action sent Sylva’s car off the road, where it sped along the grassy bank beside the carriageway before regaining the main road. The dangerous manoeuvre took place at approximately 6am on October 24, 2023, near the Stony Gutter bend heading from Semington.
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In court, Sylva admitted he failed to see the oncoming lorry until it was too late, despite the lorry driver’s warning signals. He received a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, Sylva’s driving licence has been revoked for 12 months.
PC Jake Tunnacliffe from Trowbridge Response emphasized the severity of the incident: “Sylva came extremely close to a fatal head-on collision due to his reckless driving. The consequences could have been devastating.”
He also commended the lorry driver’s calm and vital testimony: “The lorry driver’s composure and evidence were crucial in our investigation.”