Van driver failed to notice stationary car in fatal M4 crash, court hears
The accident took place on the M4 westbound between junctions 11 and 12.
Last updated 6th Feb 2026
Barry O'Sullivan, a 45-year-old van driver, is accused of failing to avoid a collision with a stationary car on the M4, leading to a passenger's death, according to evidence presented at Reading Crown Court.
O'Sullivan was driving a grey Ford Transit Connect van during the morning rush hour on 7th March 2022 when he collided with a Nissan Micra stopped in the outside lane of the motorway.
The accident took place on the M4 westbound between junctions 11 and 12. The collision propelled both vehicles forward, causing the Nissan to burst into flames.
Pulvinder Dhillon, a passenger in the Nissan driven by her daughter, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.
Professor Graham Edgar, an expert in human factors, provided a report identifying several cues that should have alerted approaching traffic to the stationary situation of the Nissan.
These cues included the Nissan's position in the lane, its lack of movement relative to fixed objects, other vehicles overtaking, and hazard lights being active.
Professor Edgar stated that "Mr O'Sullivan does not appear to have really picked up on any of those cues," and was "aware of the presence of the Nissan" but "not aware" it was not moving.
"He took no avoiding action because he believed it to be moving," Professor Edgar told the court.
Jurors learned that on the day of the collision, the smart motorway system was not functioning and did not display any messages about obstructions ahead.
When interviewed by police following the crash, O'Sullivan mentioned there was "no indication of anything untoward" on any motorway gantries.
He claimed "there was definitely no warnings" of the stranded vehicle.
Previously, jurors heard allegations that O'Sullivan was driving "at speed" in the outside lane before the crash occurred.
O'Sullivan, from Wixams near Bedford, has pleaded not guilty to causing death by careless driving.
The trial continues.