A lorry driver who crashed into a stationary road maintenance vehicle was told he could have killed its three passengers and himself.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that 36-year-old Thomas Cronin of Craigbank Street, Larkhall, had an “unexplained loss of awareness” when the collision occurred on the A9 near Carrbridge on January 30 last year.
Sheriff Gary Aitken heard that Cronin had since lost his HGV licence, his job and his house.
Fiscal depute Anna Chisholm said Cronin failed to slow down from his 50mph speed or take evasive action when confronted with the maintenance vehicle.
It travelled 40 metres as a result of the impact, the court heard.
She added; “Two of the van’s occupants were unconscious for a brief moment.”
Another had a fractured rib and all four, including Cronin, suffered injuries, she went on.
Cronin admitted previous convictions, which included speeding offences, careless driving and with a mobile phone.
Defence solicitor Andrew Campbell said his client had no recollection of the incident, and his HGV licence had been revoked because of “unexplained loss of awareness.”
Mr Campbell added that scans had revealed no medical reason for it.
Fining him £450 and banned Cronin from driving for four months, the Sheriff told him: “This could have been significantly worse for you and others. You have lost your house and your job, you could have lost your life in this.”