A pink Smart-car driving teen has been jailed for two years after she hit a stationary car at 80 mph on the M25 outside Swanley, killing a 71-year-old woman.
Chloe Thompson, 18, of Carlton Road in Eastbourne, was travelling on June 3 in M25 delays when she hit the stationary car that was stuck behind traffic.
Witnesses at the scene said that there was no evidence that she made any attempt to brake before the impact.
The crash, which happened between junctions three and four near Swanley, occurred while numerous signs on the motorway warned of delays and queues ahead.
Thompson’s Smart car hit the back of the victim’s Citreon C4 which in turn struck several other cars in front.
The victim died at the scene with a further five people sustaining non-serious injuries.
Thompson pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on February 8.
She will serve her sentence at a young offenders’ institution, be disqualified from driving for a further six years and will have to take an extensive test before being granted a licence in the future.
Detective Constable David Holmes, the investigating officer for this case, said: “Thompson was travelling in excess of the enforced speed limit however, she was also around 40mph in excess of the advisory speed limit.
“While it may only be an advisory speed, people must take heed in the fact that it is shown for a reason, along with the overhead gantries warning of queues ahead.
“It is important for all drivers to be aware and concentrate at all times when driving, especially on fast roads and especially those less experienced drivers who have recently passed their driving test.
“This needs to serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences that can occur when concentration is lacking and important information is ignored.
“While Miss Thompson did not set out to kill, the victim has tragically lost her life when she herself was safely negotiating the road and hazards presented to her, unbeknownst of what was going to happen.”
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