The moment an irresponsible driver is stopped from causing serious injury on M62

A screenshot from the GMP video of the incident

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A potentially dangerous incident was averted on Sunday (29 September) when a driver’s reckless decision to use the hard shoulder put lives at risk.

The incident took place between junctions 22 and 21 on the M62 around 8.30 pm, during wet and dark conditions.

Emergency services were attending a minor road traffic collision at the time, which had caused significant traffic delays.

While highway patrols worked to clear debris from the road, a driver in a Nissan Micra made the dangerous choice to bypass the roadblock by driving down the hard shoulder, endangering first responders and other motorists.

Thanks to the quick thinking of a newly appointed roads policing officer, tactical contact was made with the vehicle, resulting in minor damage but successfully bringing it to a halt before anyone was harmed.

Chief Inspector Mike Parker of the Roads Policing Unit praised the officer’s actions, saying: “This clip highlights the real and stark dangers of motorway policing that thankfully prevented any serious injury, due to the fast actions by our officer to make tactical contact whilst first responders were in the road.”

He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, especially as a pedestrian and paramedic were crossing the carriageway at the time. He added, “We can’t express how dangerous this driver’s actions were.”

Addressing the wider issue of motorway safety, Parker reminded drivers of the importance of following road signs and not giving in to impatience. “At times, due to how busy our motorway network is, you may be stuck in standstill traffic due to accidents.

"There is no excuse for ignoring the signage and becoming impatient – it is there for a reason to ensure the safety of all. It will not be tolerated, and in this case, retrospective action is being taken against this irresponsible driver.”

Police have confirmed that the driver of the Nissan Micra will face further consequences for their actions.