A Nigerian-British taxi driver in the United Kingdom has been sentenced to six years in prison after falling asleep while driving and causing a crash that claimed the life of a 59-year-old man.
Kolawole Erunkulu, 45, from Bexleyheath, was convicted of causing death by dangerous driving after his Audi left its lane and entered a roadside lay-by on the A23 in Merstham, Surrey.
The incident occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. on August 17, 2025, when the victim, identified as Philip Dray, had stopped in the lay-by for a break. Dray was getting back into his Volkswagen when Erunkulu’s vehicle entered the area and struck him. He died at the scene.
An investigation by Surrey Police found that Erunkulu had driven for approximately 53 hours over the three days leading up to the fatal collision. His longest break during that period was reportedly seven hours, while other breaks included periods of about four hours and two hours.
Investigators also examined footage from an interior camera fitted in Erunkulu’s vehicle. The footage showed the driver experiencing what police described as a “microsleep” — a brief episode of sleep lasting only seconds.
During the episode, the vehicle moved across the carriageway and into the lay-by where Dray had stopped. Following the collision, Erunkulu continued driving for approximately another 10 seconds before stopping at another lay-by.
Police said that in the 12 hours immediately before the crash, Erunkulu had been working as a taxi driver with only short breaks.
Erunkulu pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving in June 2026. He was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on August 25 to six years in prison.
The court also disqualified him from driving for eight years. If he later applies for a new driving licence, he will be required to pass an extended driving test.
During sentencing, Judge Lees said the evidence showed that Erunkulu was extremely tired but continued driving despite his condition. The judge noted that the incident could have been avoided if he had stopped to sleep.
Acting Detective Inspector Rob Baldwin of Surrey Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said the case highlighted the serious consequences of driving while fatigued.
According to the police, Erunkulu had worked long hours with insufficient rest, resulting in significant sleep deprivation. Investigators warned that fatigue can seriously affect a driver’s ability to remain alert and respond safely, particularly during the early hours of the morning.
The victim’s family described Philip Dray as a dependable, caring and gentle man who was highly regarded by those close to him.
His partner said his death had left a significant emotional void, while his sister described him as a careful and conscientious driver who cared about the safety of other road users.
Dray’s family agreed to the release of the footage showing the incident as part of efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while tired.
The case has renewed warnings to motorists, particularly commercial drivers, about the importance of taking adequate rest before and during long journeys. Authorities have stressed that no destination or work schedule should take priority over road safety.
Source: Thepressradio.com
