A shocking chain-reaction crash unfolded in Sandycroft, Flintshire, after lorry driver Christopher Tribe, 57, tried to peer through a misted-up windscreen.
His struggle to see clearly ended in a five-vehicle pile-up that left several cars damaged and caused chaos on the road.
Footage from Tribe’s own dash-cam captures the terrifying moment as his lorry, loaded with glue, skids off the road.
The video shows him shaking violently and swearing as the impact throws him around the cabin, shattering the windscreen and sending his hat flying.
The minivan at the front of the crash ended up nose-down in a ditch, while other cars were dented and scraped in the collision.
Poor Visibility and Low Sun Contribute to Accident
At Mold Magistrates Court, prosecutors revealed that Tribe had limited visibility due to his fogged-up windscreen.
The low sun made driving conditions even more difficult, and some of the glue from his lorry spilled onto the road after the crash, creating additional hazards.
Prosecutor James Ashton told the court that while Tribe had used his phone earlier in the journey, he was not using it at the moment of the collision.
“Poor visibility due to his misted-up windscreen was a significant factor,” Ashton said.
Defence Highlights Remorse and External Factors
Patrick Geddes, representing Tribe, acknowledged the dangerous driving but emphasised his client’s remorse.
“He’s fully aware this could have resulted in serious injury—or worse,” Geddes told the court.
He also noted that the sun’s glare contributed to the poor conditions, though it did not excuse Tribe’s actions.
Geddes admitted that Tribe had checked his phone earlier, describing it as a mistake but insisting it did not directly cause the crash.
“He shouldn’t have done it, but it’s not what resulted in this collision,” Geddes said.
Court Delivers Suspended Sentence and Driving Ban
Magistrates described the crash as “fairly horrific,” and Tribe pleaded guilty to driving dangerously.
Despite the severity, he avoided prison and received a 36-week sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also banned from driving for 18 months and ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge along with £85 in court costs.
Chair of the magistrates, Lucy Bureau, told Tribe, “It was a serious incident, and I’m sure you understand the risks involved.”
Dash-Cam Footage Shows Harrowing Moment
The dramatic dash-cam footage has since circulated, showing how quickly a small lapse in concentration—or impaired visibility—can lead to a major accident.
Tribe’s shaken reactions, the shattered windscreen, and the displaced minivan underline the dangers drivers face when conditions are less than ideal.
Lessons From a Dangerous Moment
While no one was reported seriously injured, the crash serves as a stark reminder about road safety, particularly in challenging conditions.
Ensuring clear vision, adjusting for sun glare, and keeping distractions like phones out of reach can make the difference between a routine drive and a serious incident.
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