Woman thankful to avoid laser accident

A Craigavon woman has said she feared for her safety after youths shining lasers almost caused her to crash her car last week.

The woman was coming home from a friend’s house on Tuesday night when she was nearly the victim of a serious accident.

The 26-year-old woman told the ‘MAIL’: “I was driving along the East Tullygally Road at about 10.20pm. I wasn’t far from home when it happened.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As I passed the bus stop there was a group of about eight or nine youths standing at it.

“They waited until I drove past and then started shining a green laser into my car.

“At first I thought it was an ambulance because of the way they were spinning the laser round.

“It reflected off my mirrors and into my eyes so that I was totally blinded.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“When I could see again I was heading straight for a lamppost.

“I was fortunate enough to regain my sight just in time to swerve the car.

“But next time others may not be so lucky. Thankfully the roads were quiet and there weren’t any other vehicles near me at the time.”

She added: “I think it should be something people and motorists should be aware of in the local area.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I want to warn others and make sure people report this and these people are caught.”

“If this is someone’s idea of fun they have a serious problem. Someone could end up really badly hurt or worse because of it.

“I’ve reported it to police and given a statement.”

Police in Craigavon have warned the public of the dangers associated with the use of laser type devices following the incident in Drumbeg last Tuesday night (July 23).

At 10.35pm it was reported that a female driver had difficulty maintaining control of her car after a laser was shone at it. A male wearing a grey hoody and blue jeans was seen in the area at the time.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Police are keen to hear from anyone who knows anything about this type of incident.

A police spokesperson said: “This is highly irresponsible and dangerous.

“Lasers can cause temporary blindness and this could result in a catastrophe. Those involved in this activity need to be mindful of the impact their behaviour could have.

“If life is lost as a result of this behaviour, those involved could not only face charges of being in possession of a dangerous weapon but could also end up facing manslaughter charges.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Craigavon on 0845 600 8000.

Related topics: