THIS is the moment a teenager inhales laughing gas behind the wheel moments before ploughing into a pedestrian.
Shocking footage shows Louisa Tunstall, 19, driving her Fiat 500 in Wigan, East Lancashire, on May 24 last year.
CCTV captured from a roadside shop in Lowton shows the then 18-year-old and her passenger inhaling nitrous oxide from two yellow balloons.
Moments later, she crashed into a 51-year-old woman, causing her car to overturn.
The woman was tragically left with serious life-changing injuries after the horror crash.
Police bodycam clips later revealed the car flipped onto its side on Newton Road, having smashed into the female pedestrian.
While sitting in the back of a cop car, an officer tells Tunstall: “There’s some suggestions that somebody’s been doing balloons.
“Balloons are a controlled drug, exactly the same as cannabis.”
Tunstall claimed she looked away from the road while reaching for something in the footwell.
She did admit to buying the nitrous oxide to have that night.
A forensic examination of her Fiat 500 showed no defects that would have contributed to the crash.
It was determined the nitrous oxide would have had an effect on reaction time and likely led to impairment in driving performance.
Tunstall, of Bradwell Road in Lowton, Wigan was yesterday sentenced to one year and eight months at Bolton Crown Court.
She was charged with possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
The 19-year-old was also disqualified from driving for two years and eight months.
She will have to take an extended test when she is released.
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide can cause euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, giggling or laughing fits.
It can also impair judgement and occasionally cause dissociation as well as hallucinations.
In the victim impact statement, the woman who was hit by Tunstall recounted her experience, stating that she typically goes for a walk every night using the same route. Ordinarily, she walks with her daughter, but on the particular evening of the incident, she was walking alone.
“When all of a sudden, I was banged into from behind which caused me to fall to the floor.
“I remember lying on the floor and looking down at my left leg and seeing blood dripping down. I looked up and saw a white car on its side.
“I do not remember feeling any pain at the time. I was shouting for help, I felt like I was whispering, it didn’t seem real.
Following the event, she gradually realized the severity of her situation. She underwent multiple operations in an attempt to repair her injured leg, but even now, she has not fully regained the use of her left leg.
The woman told how she used to play netball three to four times a week prior to the accident.
She has not been able to participate in the sport, which she has enjoyed for 18 years, since.
The victim told the court this has had a “significant impact” on her mental health.
She explained how the crash has also impacted her family in a huge way as she now relies on relatives for basic tasks.
“My daughter has become my full-time carer which isn’t fair on her as she is currently studying at university,” she said.
The memory of the incident is still fresh and painful for her. She feels a sense of loss and frustration when reflecting on everything that was taken away from her and the long-lasting impact it has had on her daily routines.
The 51-year-old said she can’t even look at the road where she was struck.
“When I think about the actions of the driver, I feel like she has turned my world upside down,” she continued.
“I have missed so much in my life, and I feel that she can just go about her business as normal with no understanding of the consequences for her actions.”
Investigating officer PC Stefan Bielizna from the Roads Policing Unit added: “It is clear to see the catastrophic effects the actions of Tunstall have had on the victim.
“The victim’s bravery and support in this case to enable to pursue a prosecution should be commended and we hope she can continue her recovery safe in the knowledge that justice has been served.
“It was made clear by the Judge that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide, like in this case, will be given time behind bars if they choose to get behind the wheel.
“Being in possession and especially under the influence of nitrous oxide has similar effects to other drugs and can severely impair your capability to drive.
“There is no excuse for taking other people’s lives into your hands due to the reckless and selfish behaviours that Tunstall has shown.
“As a unit we are constantly patrolling the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, being under the influence or having no insurance.
“Our proactive approach to keeping the roads safe has seen a 4% decrease in traffic related incidents across Greater Manchester over the last 12 months.”
