Woman's car crash caused by medication

Diane Lloyd, of Tyrer Walk, Lowton, tested positive for a large number of drugs including diazepam, morphine and tramadol following the collision on Bridge Street in Golborne.

Wigan magistrates heard police were called to the street following reports of a three-car pile-up. Ann Deacon, prosecuting, said: “When officers arrived they saw a Renault Laguna with extensive front end damage and there was also damage to a van and a Corsa. Both of the other vehicles had been parked and unattended and the driver of the Laguna was receiving treatment from paramedics and was later taken to Wigan Infirmary.

“Officers spoke to the driver but she seemed to be falling asleep. She was showing signs of drowsiness and her speech became slurred. She was arrested for driving while unfit and a blood sample was taken from her. It was sent for analysis and showed she had a number of drugs including diazepam, morphine and tramadol.”

The 52-year-old, who has no previous convictions, admitted driving without due care and attention. Defending, Graham Simpson said: “Mrs Lloyd was prescribed this medication by her GP so she is going to go back to her doctor for a review of it. She has Crohn’s disease and is on various medication for that, she has osteoporosis of the knees and she has damage to her lower spine and is on further medication for that. I think it is a case that each has been prescribed without consideration for the other.

“She is mortified by what happened. She has never had this problem with her medication before and she doesn’t know how it happened. The GP can do what is necessary and alert the DVLA if the medication she is on will affect her driving but I don’t think that will be necessary.”

Lloyd was fined £80 and given six points. She was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and £85 court costs. Justices also said they would be alerting the DVLA and it was up to them to contact her GP and decide whether she could continue to drive.