Terrifying Crash on A280 Claims Life of Devoted Mum
Ronald Dossett, 75, veered into oncoming traffic while driving his blue Honda Civic southbound on the A280 on 17 January 2019. His car smashed head-on into an orange Suzuki Ignis driven by Nicola Drummond, 44, from Findon.
Nicola was airlifted to hospital but tragically died from her injuries later that day.
Mum’s Final Moments Were Heartbreaking
Nicola’s two children, a 14-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, were also in the car. Both suffered serious injuries but have thankfully recovered.
Dossett himself was seriously hurt, while his 75-year-old wife escaped with minor injuries. A third vehicle then collided with Dossett’s car, leaving its driver injured as well.
Judge Slams Driver’s ‘Careless’ Actions
At Lewes Crown Court, Dossett pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving. He was jailed for 12 months and banned from driving for 30 months, with an extended re-test required before getting behind the wheel again.
Judge Christie Laing QC called Nicola Drummond an “extraordinary woman” whose final words were for her children’s safety. She said Dossett either fell asleep or was so distracted he never tried to avoid the crash.
Dossett claimed he can’t remember the collision and struggled to accept responsibility but now admits he caused the devastating accident.
Police Warn: Careless Driving Among ‘Fatal Five’
Investigating officer PC Shirley Ross said: “Careless driving is one of the ‘fatal five’ offences causing the most serious accidents in the UK, alongside speeding, drink/drug driving, mobile phone use, and no seatbelt.”
She added: “We must work harder to educate and enforce road safety to protect everyone.”
Nicola Drummond’s family thanked all those involved in bringing the case to a close.
