This is the moment when a motorist miraculously escapes after a runaway tractor being driven by a drug-addicted teenager crashes into his car.
The video shows Tyler Sowerby’s huge Case iH tractor swerving across the dual carriageway in front of an RAF base into William Davis’ path.
Mr Davis barely had time to react when 19-year-old Sowerby crashed into his Honda in a head-on collision last September, overturning the car and completely destroying it under its huge tires.
Remarkably, Mr Davis managed to escape from his car, despite being crushed under the tractor.
Sowerby, from Lazonby near Penrith in Cumbria, admitted in court today that he was careless and driving under the influence of drugs.
He previously admitted to another drug offense in February last year after being stopped by police. A blood test revealed that he had exceeded the legal limit for cocaine. The court found that he had no criminal record.
Video shows Tyler Sowerby’s huge Case iH vehicle swerving across the dual carriageway outside an RAF base and into the path of a Honda driven by William Davis
The tractor crossed the median and headed straight for Mr. Davis’ car. The driver, later identified as Sowerby, crashed into the car and continued driving, completely rolling over the Honda
Tyler Sowerby, 19, (pictured) from Lazonby, near Penrith in Cumbria, admitted driving carelessly and under the influence of drugs
Dramatic images were presented to Carlisle Magistrates Court showing extensive damage to the Honda, while video captured the incredible crash.
Carlisle Magistrates’ Court heard today that Mr Davis was traveling alongside RAF Mildenhall on the A1101 at Beck Row in Suffolk just after 12pm on September 24 last year.
As Mr Davis did so, Sowerby approached him, towed a trailer “loaded with grain” and “driving down the road,” the prosecutor said.
The video shows the tractor overtaking the median and heading straight for Mr. Davis’ car. The driver, later identified as Sowerby, crashed into the car and continued driving, completely rolling over the Honda. The tractor then overturned.
The court was told Mr Davis thought Sowerby was going back to his “own side of the road” but the teenager did not.
“He drives his tractor into the car and the tractor overturns,” prosecutor Graeme Tindall told the court.
“When I show you the photos, you will be amazed that there are no serious injuries.”
The analysis showed a positive level of amphetamine in Sowerby’s body.
Mr Tindall added: “He was cooperative in the testing process.”
Defense attorney Duncan Campbell said Sowerby “lost control” of the tractor.
“Thank God no one was hurt.” I believe this young man was taken to the hospital as a precaution. The Honda driver was unharmed. “It wasn’t as serious as it could have been,” Mr Campbell said.
Sowerby (pictured) previously admitted to another drug offense committed in February after he was stopped by police. A blood test revealed that he had exceeded the legal limit for cocaine
A detailed report by the parole service before the verdict gave details of Sowerby’s “very difficult” background, Mr Campbell said.
And the lawyer told the judges, “There were difficulties that most people don’t have to deal with.” He had to deal with them. It is thanks to him that he did that.”
Sowerby had previously “engrossed himself in the drug world”, although Mr Campbell added: “Thankfully it’s over.”
The teenager was convicted by a judge in connection with both incidents. He received an eight-week prison sentence with a 12-month suspended sentence.
He faces rehabilitation by doing up to 10 days of probation work, 60 hours of unpaid work and a three-year driving ban.