Watch: A350 driver nearly causes head-on crash in Wiltshire
Emmanuel Sylva, of Devonshire Place, Melksham, was driving along the A350 shortly after 6am on October 24, 2023 when he tried to overtake a lorry on a bend in the section of road approaching Stony Gutter from Semington. Dashcam footage provided by the lorry driver shows the moment Sylva swerved into the southbound lane with less than half a second to spare. The 39-year-old pulled out into oncoming traffic when another lorry was travelling towards him and footage shows the driver flashing his main beam to alert Sylva of their presence.
Despite this, Sylva claimed he didn't see the lorry until it was too late. Realising he didn't have enough time to complete the manoeuvre, he swerved back into the southbound lane and struck the side of the lorry he was overtaking. Sylva was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
He has also been disqualified from driving for 12 months. Recommended reading PC Jake Tunnacliffe, from Trowbridge Response, said: "Sylva was extremely close to colliding head-on with the oncoming lorry when he returned to the southbound lane.
"The consequence of his reckless manoeuvre could have quite easily been fatal.
"In court, Sylva admitted to driving dangerously and the prospect of spending 10 months in prison will loom over him if or when he re-obtains a driving licence."
"I would like to praise the calm composure of the lorry driver involved in the collision who provided vital evidence for our investigation."