An oil rig worker has admitted causing a two-car smash in rural Perthshire which left two people injured.
Steven Sangerman swerved into the wrong lane as he sped along the A923 Coupar Angus to Dundee road.
His Mercedes-Benz smashed into an oncoming Vauxhall Corsa, driven by Eric Simpson.
Mr Simpson and his passenger Marguerite Carrie were trapped inside their car and had to be rescued by firefighters.
Offshore engineer Sangerman appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted driving without due care or attention on November 30 2021.
The 37-year-old, from Meigle, was allowed to keep his licence and was praised for his actions following the collision.
Tried to correct slide
Fiscal depute Elizabeth Hodgson told the court: “At about 12.45pm, both vehicles were travelling along the A923 in opposite directions.
“This particular area of the road is quite windy, and often sheltered by overhanging trees.
“On one corner, the accused was carrying too much speed and did not manage to negotiate the bend safely.
“This resulted in the back of his car sliding out into the opposing carriageway.”
She said: “The accused attempted to correct the slide but collided with Mr Simpson’s vehicle.
“Both Mr Simpson and Ms Carrie were trapped in their vehicle.
“The accused left his car and attempted to check on the witnesses.
“He contacted emergency services.”
Paramedics, firefighters and police were scrambled to the scene, near Pitcur.
Mr Simpson and Ms Carrie were taken to hospital with injuries to their wrists and chests, respectively.
Both vehicles were described on court papers as “extensively damaged”.
“The accused spoke to police and cooperated fully,” said Ms Hodgson.
“He accepted he had caused the collision and that he had been driving too fast and lost control.”
Praised for taking responsibility
The court heard father-of-two Sangerman needs his car for work.
“He is an offshore engineer and he very much relies on his licence for travelling to places like Aberdeen for transport to the rigs,” his solicitor said.
“As soon as this accident happened, he admitted immediately that it was his fault.”
Sheriff Charles Lugton told Sangerman: “As you correctly conceded, you were driving too fast.
“It is in your favour that you took responsibility for this.”
He said: “You have a clean licence and your record is quite historical and limited in its terms.”
Sangerman was fined £400 and had six points added to his licence.
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