Limerick motorist blames 'blind spot' in wing mirror for collision on motorway
A ROAD traffic collision on a Limerick motoroway occurred due to the “blind spot” in a wing mirror, Newcastle West Court heard.
Barbara Jopek, aged 48, of Grange Lower, Newcastle West pleaded guilty to careless driving on the M20 motorway near Patrickswell.
Inspector Gearoid Thompson, prosecuting, said the collision occurred on June 9, 2022.
“There were two vehicles involved. The defendant turned into the fast lane thus causing an impact with another vehicle which she had failed to observe. There were no injuries. It was a coming together of two vehicles. There is an independent witness,” said Insp Thompson, who added that Ms Jopek has no previous convictions.
Michael O’Donnell, solicitor for Ms Jopek, said his client has lived in Ireland for 15 years and this was her first time in a court.
“On the date in question she was collecting her husband from the hospital and returning to Newcastle West. She looked at her wing mirror but it was the blind spot and didn’t see the other vehicle,” said Mr O’Donnell.
Judge Carol Anne Coolican fined Ms Jopek €400.