Horror moment drink driver ploughs into pregnant woman's car

05 December 2023 , 21:58

1078     0

A suspected drink-driver mowed into a car with a pregnant woman at the wheel in April last year (Image: MEN MEDIA)

A suspected drink-driver mowed into a car with a pregnant woman at the wheel in a heart-stopping moment caught on camera.

In April 2021, Tanya Palmer was involved in a collision with a suspected drink driver when she was a mere 22 weeks pregnant. She experienced several injuries, such as a significant cut in the middle of her forehead and a dislocated shoulder. In addition, she needed surgery on her ankle and experienced memory loss and speech issues.

Tanya was on Swillington Lane in Leeds in April 2021, when the incident took place. She was driving a Land Rover Defender and was confronted by an Audi estate car on the wrong side of the road.

Tanya was on Swillington Lane in Leeds in April 2021, when the incident took place. (MEN MEDIA)

Months after the crash Tanya went on to have a healthy baby and said: "I just gripped onto the steering wheel, and that’s probably one of the last things that I remember. I went to the LGI and went through the major trauma unit. I had about three or four days in hospital, because when I had the collision, I was actually 22 weeks pregnant.

"I had various cuts and bruises, a major cut to the middle of my forehead, behind my ear, dislocated shoulder, torn deltoid ligament injury. I’m waiting for surgery on at least one of my ankles. I’m also under the care of a neurologist because I now have problems with my memory and my speech."

Brit 'saw her insides' after being cut open by propeller on luxury diving trip

The Audi driver was convicted of failing to provide a specimen for analysis for alcohol or drugs and was sent to prison for twelve months. He was also banned from driving for three-and-a-half years. According to West Yorkshire Police, drivers and motorcyclists of the potentially very serious consequences of using their vehicles after drinking or taking drugs this Christmas.

Chief Inspector James Farrar, head of the West Yorkshire Police Roads Policing Unit, said drink-drivers faced the possibility of a prison sentence.

Police patrols will be focusing on catching those responsible. Anyone with information about drink drivers can report them to West Yorkshire Police.

Charlie Duffield