Accident at Kilkenny roadworks - Moment of ‘admiring the vista’ leads to careless driving charge

The driver of an articulated truck has been convicted of careless driving following a road traffic accident at roadworks on a busy Kilkenny-Laois road.

Gennadiy Kotlov, 66 Ard Cluain, Grace Dieu, Waterford, pleaded guilty to the charge in Kilkenny District Court.

Evidence was heard that on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, Mr Kotlov was driving the truck from Durrow towards Ballyragget. There were roadworks on this stretch of road, with traffic lights, at the time.

Mr Kotlov had ‘a lapse in concentration’ and drove into the back of a caddy van stopped at a red light. The caddy van was destroyed and the driver suffered a broken collar bone and injuries to his back.

Sergeant Morgan O’Connor told the court there was ‘no question of speed’ being involved in the collision, it was due to the lapse in concentration.

Solicitor Alexander Rafter said his client had ‘looked out momentarily at the vista’ and when he looked back to the roadway the red traffic light was on.

A Ukrainian national, he has lived in Ireland for 20 years and worked as a truck driver for 15 years, the solicitor said.
At the scene Mr Kotlov made admissions to gardaí and was co-operative. He is very remorseful, the court was told.

Mr Rafter said his client is 53 years old and doesn’t even have a penalty point on his licence.
Mr Kotlov needs his licence as his wife doesn’t drive and for his employment.
The injured party will be settled with under his client’s insurance, Mr Rafter added.

Judge Geraldine Carthy noted the very early plea in the case and said she was also taking into account the mitigation offered.
She accepted Mr Kotlov’s remorse.
Convicting the defendant of careless driving, the judge handed down a fine of €750 but did not impose a disqualification.