Barry O'Sullivan, a 45-year-old motorist from Wixams, was found guilty of causing a tragic collision on the M4 smart motorway on March 7, 2022. He crashed his work van into the back of a stationary Nissan Micra, which had been stopped in the outside lane for several minutes due to a breakdown. The collision was severe enough to propel both vehicles forward and resulted in the Micra catching fire.

The incident led to the death of Pulvinder Dhillon, who was a passenger in the Micra at the time of the crash. The trial revealed that the Micra had been immobile on the motorway for approximately six minutes before being struck by O'Sullivan’s vehicle. The judge described the highway as a dangerous environment for stranded motorists, particularly on smart motorways where traffic regulations and enforcement can be inconsistent.

This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding smart motorways in the UK, as they often lack adequate emergency measures for disabled vehicles. Critics argue that measures should be enhanced to protect motorists who find themselves in perilous situations on such roadways. The conviction serves as a precedent for future cases involving similar incidents, prompting discussions on road safety regulations and the responsibilities of drivers in accommodating others in distress on the highways.