Watch the shocking moment texting driver crashes and overturns van

This is the moment a texting driver crashed and flipped their vehicle.
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This is the moment a texting driver crashed and flipped their vehicle.

The shocking footage has been released by the police to raise awareness of the dangers of using a mobile phone at the wheel.

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Police say the driver had to have his arm amputated as a result of the injuries he suffered in the incident in Roedean Road, Brighton.

Sussex Police SUS-200923-164306001Sussex Police SUS-200923-164306001
Sussex Police SUS-200923-164306001

The footage has been released with the consent of the driver involved and the owner of the dash cam, neither of whom wished to be identified.

It follows a week of action during which hundreds of offences were detected on the roads in Sussex.

Officers carried out dedicated patrols from Monday (September 14) to Sunday (September 20) as part of Project EDWARD (Every Day Without A Road Death) – a European-wide campaign supported by forces including Sussex Police and Surrey Police.

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Fourteen motorists were arrested, 28 were reported for summons, 379 handed traffic offence reports, and 355 were given words of advice, Sussex Police said.

Assistant chief constable Dave Miller said: “Throughout the week, our officers provided education and enforcement with the ultimate aim to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads each year.

“We also responded to community concerns, and in addition to the ‘fatal five’ offences, we detected excess noise, tyre, licence and insurance offences, as well as antisocial driving and riding.”

The fatal five offences include speeding, drink and drug-driving, mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt, and careless and inconsiderate driving.

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Assistant chief constable Miller said, “Last year in Sussex, 39 people were killed in collisions. That’s 39 too many, and families often never recover from the tragic and unexpected loss of a loved one.

“This is also about listening to and responding to community concerns around antisocial driving and riding. That’s why we proactively patrol rural locations – as well as the main roads – as part of our daily routine roads policing, 365 days a year.

“Our priority is to keep everyone safe on our roads. This is done through raising awareness, which is generally very well received by the public, and cracking down on those who commit offences on our roads.”

The incident captured in the above video happened on November 15, 2019.

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Police investigations revealed the driver had been using his mobile phone at the wheel.

ACC Miller said: “While we don’t wish to shock and scare people with this footage, it’s important road users understand the serious consequences of the ‘fatal five’ offences.

“By taking personal responsibility and driving safely and sensibly, you can help us reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in Sussex and Surrey.”

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said she is pleased to see active operations by police and partners to crack down on irresponsible driving on main and rural roads in Sussex, and is particularly impressed with the results from the week in support of Project EDWARD.

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She said: “The video being shared by Sussex Police is a shocking display of the consequences of dangerous driving and I am grateful to those that have agreed to share this.

“It really enforces the fact we all use the roads and must share the responsibility of ensuring the safety of ourselves and others.

“Road safety will continue to be a top priority for Sussex Police because it matters to local residents. The sobering message from this video is not to drive irresponsibly because the consequences can be dangerous and life-changing.”

Police will continue to work with partners including Sussex Safer Roads Partnership and DriveSmart Surrey on various campaigns throughout the year.

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You can report an incident of dangerous or antisocial driving via Operation Crackdown.

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