A 26-year-old van driver receives an 11-month ban for careless driving and road rage.
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Incident Overview
In a troubling incident that highlights the dangers of aggressive driving, 26-year-old Paul Jessiman from Aberdeen was involved in a collision while traveling at approximately 70mph in a 50mph zone. The incident occurred on April 9 of last year, as Jessiman attempted to merge into the right-hand lane near Gateside, resulting in a crash with another van.
Dashcam footage captured the moment Jessiman exited his vehicle and engaged in aggressive gestures before fleeing the scene.
Details of the Collision
As Jessiman approached roadworks on the dual carriageway, both he and the other driver, Paul Assiph, were traveling at high speeds despite the reduced speed limit.
Assiph, who was already in the right lane, did not yield to Jessiman’s attempt to merge. The collision was not a single impact; rather, Jessiman’s vehicle collided with Assiph’s van multiple times, causing significant damage, including a broken wing mirror and bumper damage.
Legal Consequences
Following the incident, both drivers proceeded to the West Bell Street police headquarters in Dundee to report the collision. Prosecutor Jill Drummond presented the case in Forfar Sheriff Court, where Jessiman admitted to causing the accident. Initially charged with dangerous driving, he pled guilty to a lesser charge of careless driving and acknowledged his threatening behavior when he confronted Assiph on the road.
Judicial Response
During the court proceedings, Jessiman’s solicitor, Billy Rennie, argued that his client perceived Assiph’s actions as careless, claiming that Assiph accelerated to prevent him from merging. However, Sheriff Derek Reekie took a firm stance on the matter, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of such reckless driving behaviors. Jessiman was disqualified from driving for 11 months and fined a total of £715. The sheriff expressed concern over the potential for a more severe accident, stating, “Even stopping to remonstrate with somebody… there could have been a multiple (vehicle) pile-up.”
Broader Implications
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of aggressive driving and road rage. The legal repercussions faced by Jessiman reflect a growing intolerance for such behavior on the roads. Authorities continue to stress the importance of adhering to speed limits and maintaining composure while driving to ensure the safety of all road users. As road rage incidents become increasingly common, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety over anger.
