A suspected drink-driver has been arrested following a dramatic crash in Radcliffe-on-Trent that saw a van overturn and slam into a pub sign.
The shocking incident happened at around 1.20pm on Monday, 26 May, on Shelford Road near The Radcliffe pub. Nottinghamshire Police said the van, which was later found to be completely written off, collided with a car during a high-speed overtaking manoeuvre before flipping onto its side and crashing into signage outside the pub.
Police officers arrived on the scene to find extensive debris scattered across the road, a second vehicle with serious damage, and a driver who had suffered minor injuries. The driver of the van, however, had fled the scene before officers arrived.
Dangerous Driving Prior to Collision
Witnesses reported the van was being driven dangerously in the moments before the crash—speeding and overtaking other vehicles on bends along the busy road. While attempting one such risky move, the van reportedly clipped a car it was overtaking, lost control, veered into bushes, and then overturned, destroying pub signage in the process.
Arrest and Police Response
After carrying out local inquiries, police tracked down a 22-year-old man matching the description of the van’s driver. He was taken to hospital with a minor injury and subsequently arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road accident, and driving while unfit through drink.
Sgt Nathan Lewis of Nottinghamshire Police said:
“This was an incredibly dangerous situation that thankfully didn’t result in anyone sustaining serious injuries.
That this didn’t happen was down to sheer luck, when you consider the damage caused to both vehicles and the crash’s location near the entrance to a pub.
The standard of driving demonstrated in this incident was completely unacceptable, as was the motorist’s decision to flee from the scene of an accident.
We also suspect the person who’d been operating the van was intoxicated at the time this happened.
It really should go without saying but there is no reason for anyone to ever get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This should serve as an example of exactly why that is the case.”
Road Safety in Focus
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drink-driving and reckless road behaviour. According to Department for Transport figures, drink-driving was a factor in 220 fatal crashes in the UK in 2022, underlining the ongoing threat it poses to public safety.
Nottinghamshire Police continue to urge all motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel under the influence and to report any dangerous driving they witness.