In a recent incident (December 2022) on the A303 in Buckland St Mary, 27-year-old truck driver Alex Clark found himself facing potential loss of his license after a crash.
Despite the circumstances, Clark believes his quick thinking prevented a fatality or serious injuries in the accident.
When traffic abruptly halted ahead of him, Clark, driving his 17-tonne Volvo truck, had to act swiftly. “There were four cars in front of me, and someone decided to turn off at the last minute, causing the traffic to stop suddenly,” he recalled. “I managed to steer into the eastbound lane and then into a field at the side of the road, avoiding hitting the cars in front of me.”
While his actions likely prevented a more severe accident, Clark still collided with a pick-up truck traveling in the opposite direction. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries, although the passenger in the pick-up truck sustained a fractured rib.
Despite his belief that his actions saved lives, Clark found himself facing prosecution by Avon and Somerset Police for driving without due care and attention. He received a letter ordering him to attend court.
Upon realizing that he was at risk of losing his license and with the support of his understanding boss, Clark sought legal representation from Protect Your Licence, a service established by barrister Kevin Marland.
Marland’s defense was crucial in highlighting Clark’s otherwise clean driving record, his employer’s faith in his abilities, and the exceptional circumstances of the accident.
The magistrates ultimately ruled in Clark’s favor, allowing him to keep his license.
Reflecting on the incident, Clark acknowledged the stress he experienced and the hasty guilty plea he made initially. Marland emphasized the importance of proper legal representation, ensuring drivers like Clark receive a fair defense and justice is served.
Protect Your Licence, established in 2011, offers affordable legal support, aiming to provide justice for drivers who deserve to retain their licenses. Kevin Marland’s initiative has helped numerous individuals like Clark navigate legal challenges and preserve their driving privileges.
