Police snap drivers trying to photograph crash scene

Drivers caught taking pictures of a crash scene while behind the wheel could face prosecution, according to police.

Officers in Northamptonshire snapped motorists who were using mobile phones to take photographs as they drove past on the opposite side of the road.

The accident on the A45 near Great Doddington, Northamptonshire happened on Monday at around 4pm and involved a large van that had come off the road and rolled over. Two people – the driver and a passenger – were airlifted to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

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While emergency services were at the scene, police spotted drivers slowing on the other carriageway - also known as rubbernecking - to take footage of the crash. Officers responded by taking pictures of the motorists in order to prosecute them for a driving offence. If found guilty they’d face a fine and penalty points on their licence.

Inspector Jen Helm said: "I am amazed that people think there is nothing wrong with using their mobile phones to take pictures while driving, and secondly that they think it is in any way appropriate or respectful to the victims of that collision.

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"What might be a great Facebook update for one person could picture the spot where someone's daughter or father took their last breath.

"Using your mobile phone while driving can and does lead to serious injury and sometimes fatal road traffic collisions.

"The drivers we photographed all gambled with other people's lives that day. When it does go wrong, I promise no photograph in the world will make the family of the victim think it was worth it."

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