A woman who crossed into oncoming traffic and caused a serious head-on collision near Thirsk has been banned from driving for a year.
Megan Sanderson, 21, of Haggerston Terrace, Jarrow, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving following the crash on the A19 near Bagby.
She appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on May 12, where she was handed an interim driving ban before returning to the same court on Wednesday, July 8, for sentencing.
Sanderson was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to pay a total of £439 in fines and costs. She has been disqualified from driving for 12 months.
The collision happened at around 5.20pm on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when Sanderson was travelling southbound on the A19 and began veering into the path of oncoming vehicles.
Witnesses reported seeing her Citroen DS cross the central white line before it collided head-on with a Kia Picanto travelling northbound.
Both drivers had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters following the crash.
The driver of the Kia, a local woman in her 20s, suffered multiple serious injuries, including a displaced right ankle, a broken leg and a deep laceration to her arm.
Sanderson suffered a broken arm and several minor injuries.
In a Victim Personal Statement, the injured driver described the lasting impact of the collision, saying she had lost confidence behind the wheel and had struggled with the loss of independence caused by her injuries.
She said: “Before the collision I was a confident driver, but I feel I have lost my confidence now. My resilience and pride made me start driving again as soon as I could, but I have struggled with this.”
She added that the crash had affected not only her but also her family and boyfriend, who continue to support her as she recovers.
PC Ross Moralee, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, said the collision was “entirely avoidable” and warned motorists about the consequences of careless driving.
He said: “This was an entirely avoidable collision caused by a clear failure to maintain proper control of a vehicle. The consequences for the victim have been significant, and it is only fortunate that the outcome was not more serious.
“When drivers allow their standards to drop, the results can be life changing.”
North Yorkshire Police said anyone who witnesses dangerous driving should report it by calling 999 if there is an immediate risk, or 101 where there is no immediate danger.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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