Shocking moment van driver distracted by his phone smashed into a broken down car

By TOM LAWRENCE[1]

Published: 18:29, 18 June 2025 | Updated: 18:35, 18 June 2025

This is the shocking moment a van driver distracted by his phone smashed into a broken down car - causing life-changing injuries to another driver.

Nathan Cole later admitted he had been checking social media while driving a Volkswagen van at high speeds down the A27 in West Sussex, police said.

He failed to see a Peugeot which had stopped on the hard shoulder of the busy dual carriageway, and careered into the back of the stationary vehicle.

The other driver suffered devastating injuries, needing surgery to have their leg amputated and spent time in a coma.

Dashcam video shows Cole, of Brighton[2], repeatedly looking down while driving at 72mph - 12mph faster than the speed limit for his vehicle, police said.

The broken down car then comes into view, before he smashes into the back.

His airbag goes off and Cole then exits the vehicle.

The 29-year-old admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a hearing at Worthing Magistrates' Court on April 8.

He appeared at Lewes Crown Court for sentencing on June 13, where he was jailed for two years and four months and was disqualified from driving for four years and four months.

Nathan Cole admitted causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for two years and four months

The van driver was caught on camera scrolling through social media on his phone

He did not see the driver who had broken down and who was getting out of their vehicle when Cole came crashing into him

The court was told how the incident happened at 12.10pm on December 13, 2023 on the A road at Southbourne.

The driver of the Peugeot, a man in his 60s from Hampshire, was struck directly by the van and was taken to hospital.

He remained in a coma over the Christmas period, and required a leg amputation, police said.

The victim's family said his injuries and treatment are a 'daily reminder of a tragedy that has reshaped every aspect of our lives'.

Speaking after the case, Det Const Sean Corbin of Sussex Police said: 'This was a shocking case which has changed the life of the victim and his family forever.

'Cole admitted that he was distracted while driving.

He was extremely fortunate that he did not cause a fatal collision that day.

'His reckless driving posed a both to himself and to every other road user.

'It acts as a warning to all drivers not to be driving at excess speed and not to drive while distracted.

'Even a momentary loss of awareness can have devastating consequences.'

References

1. ^ TOM LAWRENCE (www.dailymail.co.uk)
2. ^ Brighton (www.dailymail.co.uk)