The truck driver who killed the driver of a passenger car on March 1, 2024, must receive a prison sentence and a driving ban according to the Public Prosecution Service (OM). The prosecutor believes that the suspect is guilty of the fatal accident because he was using his phone while driving. The victim was standing next to his car at the time of the collision because he had been involved in another accident shortly before.
An Accident After an Accident
On March 1, 2024, a passenger car collided with a truck on the A27 towards Almere. After the collision, the truck comes to a stop on the emergency lane and the passenger car on the right lane. When the victim – the driver of the passenger car – stands on the drivers side of his car after the collision, another truck approaches. The driver of the truck swerves at the last moment, hitting the victim. The victim dies on the spot.
Use of WhatsApp, Safari, and Facebook
According to witnesses, the previous accident was clearly visible due to the hazard lights of the involved truck. Other road users had also swerved in time. After investigating the suspects phone, it was found that apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Safari were used at various times during the trip. According to the prosecutor, the suspect was busy with his phone up until the moment of the accident, which prevented him from reacting in time to the accident. He absolutely did not adhere to traffic rules and drove very recklessly, leading to the death of the victim.
Reckless Driving Behavior
In fatal accidents, when determining the severity of the penalty, the degree of fault is taken into account. There can be blameworthy negligence, (very) negligent behavior, or reckless driving behavior. According to the OM, this case falls into the latter and most serious category. Since the suspect is a professional driver, the prosecutor considers his behavior even more serious.
According to the OM, a prison sentence of eight months is appropriate, of which four months is conditional with a probation period of two years. The man will also receive a driving ban of three years, of which two years is conditional with a probation period of two years.
The court will deliver its verdict on May 28.