A woman who veered into oncoming traffic and caused a serious head-on collision near Thirsk has escaped jail.
Megan Sanderson, who’s 21, was driving southbound on the A19 near Bagby on Tuesday, 8 April 2025.
Her Citroen DS crossed the central white line before colliding head-on with a Kia Picanto travelling northbound.
Both drivers had to be cut free from their vehicles by firefighters.
The victim, a local woman in her 20s, sustained multiple serious injuries including a displaced right ankle, a broken leg, and a deep laceration to her arm.
Sanderson, who’s Haggerston Terrace in Jarrow, suffered a broken arm along with several minor injuries.
She pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving at a previous court appearance.
Today, York magistrates gave her a 12-week suspended prison sentence, banned her from driving for a year and ordered her to pay £439.
Incident location
In her personal statement, the victim 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.
“Before the collision, I was really independent, and I felt like I had my independence taken away from me and I needed to rely on other people. I suffer from pain on a daily basis. I have good days and bad days.”
She concluded by saying: “Not only has the collision had an impact on me but it has also had an impact on my family and my boyfriend who continue to provide me with the support I need.
“I am determined to make as much progress as I can, but I worry about the impact that my injuries might have on my future.”
PC Ross Moralee, of North Yorkshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit, 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.
“This sentence sends a message that careless driving will not be tolerated on our roads. When drivers allow their standards to drop, the results can be life changing.
“Road safety is a priority for North Yorkshire Police, and we will take firm action against anyone whose driving puts other road users at risk.
“I urge all motorists to remember that even a momentary lapse in concentration can have lasting and devastating consequences for all involved.”
