Drivers warned: ignore regulations at your peril
A driver responsible for a dangerous spill has been handed an infinite driving ban for showing ‘wilful blindness’ in his actions.
Simon Carrington, a 52-year old HGV driver, failed to act in a manner according to his experience and ADR certification after causing the spill in the Dow Corning chemical site in Barry, South Wales.
Not only did Carrington’s error cause the spill, he failed to correctly report the mistake and instead drove away leaving the hazardous chemicals unattended.
“He did not check the delivery paperwork given to him by Dow Corning after delivery and he deliberately ignored the instructions of his employer in opening the tanker valve and lid in an area not designed to contain and control any release of the controlled hazardous substance.”
"The extreme punishment should act as a warning to all drivers to remain mindful of regulations at all times."
Prior to the offence, Harrington had a good driving history but was told that his misconduct was so severe that he should no longer be allowed to drive.
The extreme punishment should act as a warning to all drivers to remain mindful of regulations at all times. Just one breach can be career ending, so it’s vital that every driver sticks to the regulations in place without fail. As this case shows, the consequences can be life changing.