A recent case from Norwich, UK, laid bare the dangers of taking selfies while driving. The police have released a selfie a driver took moments before causing a fatal motorcycle accident.
Amber Potter, 23, was sentenced this week to three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to causing the death of David Sinar, 64. The tragic accident occurred on September 15, 2021, on the A11 in Norfolk, England. Sinar, who had just purchased a vintage scooter, was struck from behind by Potter’s vehicle.
An investigation revealed that Potter had been using her phone extensively while driving. The analysis of her phone showed not only the fatal selfie but also text messages, audio clips, and use of Facebook Messenger. Furthermore, the phone was found to be in “Do Not Disturb” mode, indicating a deliberate effort to avoid interruption while using it.
Despite evidence suggesting otherwise, Potter reportedly denied using her phone immediately before the collision. Still, she couldn’t explain why she failed to see Sinar on his motorcycle.
The incident has left a devastating impact on Sinar’s family. His wife described their life as “unbearable” following his death, leaving their teenage son without a father and his elderly mother heartbroken.
Let me remind you, in 2023, researchers in Australia found selfies to be a “public health problem.” So many people have died or gotten hurt while taking selfies, mainly by falling from great heights. Folks posing with wild animals have also been injured or even mauled to death. And this time, a winking selfie, one of a gazillion same selfies you’ll see on Instagram, has cost another person their life.
“This tragic case highlights the devastating effects drivers who interact with their mobile devices whilst driving have on others,” said Andrew Hughes of the Norfolk and Suffolk collision investigation unit. “It is the reason it features in the ‘fatal four’ offenses and continues to be a focus for police. It is a selfish and needless act which has severe consequences for so many people.”
[via PetaPixel, Sky News; image credits Norfolk Police]
