Fine and points for careless A9 driver
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An inexperienced driver was caught out by a pool of water on a dual carriageway stretch of the A9, spun his car and hit a tree.
But Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 18-year-old Gordon Stronach of Sr Margaret's Road, Inverness was fortunate to escape the collision unhurt in the late afternoon of May 10 last year.
However Stronach was charged with careless driving by failing to take into account the road and weather conditions as he overtook two cars and then lost control.
His Fiat spun around, struck the tree and came to rest in the middle of the carriageway and Sheriff Ian Cruickshank heard that other motorists came to his assistance before the teenager was charged by police.
Fiscal depute Shamyla Ghafar said: "The road had a lot of surface water but visibility was good."
Defence solicitor Rory Gowans said his client had been on his way home from work in Kingussie when the incident occurred.
He said Stronach was highly thought of by his employers and his job would be at risk if he was disqualified from driving.
The lawyer added: "There was a lot of spray from the car in front which was making it difficult for him to see. So he moved out into the other lane and then encountered standing water.
"A more experienced driver may have done things differently and he now plans to go through an advanced driving course. I don't think he will make this mistake again," Mr Gowans added.
The Sheriff fined Stronach £520 and endorsed his licence with four penalty points.
