Driver fatigue was to blame for collision, judge rules
Judge Eoin Garavan said tiredness was the sole cause of the accident.
Driver fatigue was to blame for a head-on collision on the N5 almost two years ago, a court has heard.
Nathan Ruddy, aged 25, of Barnatra in North Mayo, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving.
Sgt Regina Carley told the court that gardaí received a report of a two-vehicle collision on the N5 near Carracastle on January 7, 2022. The defendant had been driving a Renault Clio when it collided head-on with a Kia Sorento driven by Brian Elms, Blessington, Co Wicklow. Mr Elms' son was sleeping in the back of the car.
Ruddy told gardaí he had "possibly nodded off" while driving home for the weekend. He had been working as a temporary teacher in Co Meath at the time and stopped twice prior to the accident for fuel and food.
Mr Elms told gardaí he had been coming from Kilcummin Harbour when Ruddy’s car came straight towards him and the impact was "inevitable". He suffered a fractured right femur that required surgery while his son suffered very minor injuries.
Sgt Carley said an off-duty nurse happened to be on the scene and when she approached Ruddy, he told her he was fine and that she should attend to the occupants of the other vehicle. She added that he was very apologetic.
Ruddy has no previous convictions. A victim impact statement was canvassed but not forthcoming.
Barrister Brendan McDonagh said his client is currently working two jobs - as a teacher on weekdays and at a golf links on weekends - and he also volunteers extensively in the Ballina and Erris areas. He presented testimonials to the court from Ruddy’s employers, describing him as an "exceptional employee" with an "honest and trustworthy nature". Mr McDonagh said Ruddy’s interaction with the off-duty nurse showed that his first thought was for the other people involved in the accident. His client had been feeling unwell on the day and had taken two doses of a non-drowsy decongestant medicine.
The court heard that Ruddy had written a letter to Mr Elms, expressing his remorse and also brought €5,000 to court as compensation.
Judge Eoin Garavan said the accident was clearly caused by Ruddy’s tiredness.
“There was no flaunting of speed limits here, no evidence of anything of that nature. Simply put, the driver was tired.
"All drivers know the terrifying feeling of your eyelids getting heavy. In that case, you stop and dose yourself with coffee and move on. Mr Ruddy was foolish to continue.”
Judge Garavan said the defendant had "learned his lesson" and a driving ban would not be appropriate. Instead, he imposed a fine of €2,000.
