12-month road ban

Thirsk area: 12-month road ban for careless driver who caused serious injury collision

A Tyneside woman who veered into oncoming traffic and caused a serious head-on collision near Thirsk has been banned from the roads for a year.

Megan Sanderson, 21, of Haggerston Terrace in Jarrow, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by careless driving on 12 May 2026 at York Magistrates' Court, where she was also handed a driving ban until her sentencing at the same court today (8 July). 

Sanderson was also given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and been ordered to pay a total of £439 in fines and costs.

Background to the case

At around 5.20pm on Tuesday 8 April 2025, Sanderson was travelling southbound on the A19 near Bagby when she began veering into the path of oncoming traffic. 

Eyewitnesses reported seeing Sanderson's Citroen DS cross the centre white line before colliding head-on with a Kia Picanto travelling northbound.

Following the collision, 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 suffered a broken arm along with several minor injuries.

In her Victim 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 her statement 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."

If you see anyone driving dangerously, please don't hesitate to call it in on 999 or via 101 if there's no immediate risk.

If you'd prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.