Sharon Swanson, of Newton Road in Wick, admitted careless driving at Wick Sheriff Court through her solicitor, John McColl. The court heard that the collision happened at about 17:00 on 4 December 2025, on the A9 south of Dunbeath.
According to fiscal depute Grant McLennan, Swanson was travelling south behind an HGV when she crossed the diagonal centre markings and entered the northbound lane in an attempt to overtake.
Her vehicle then struck an oncoming car head-on. The other driver had no time to react or take evasive action.
Both vehicles suffered substantial damage, while Swanson and the other motorist sustained minor injuries. They were taken to Caithness General Hospital in Wick for assessment.
The collision was also recorded by a witness’s dashcam.
Overtaking manoeuvre made on a bend
The prosecution said Swanson, despite living locally, became disorientated in the darkness and mistakenly believed she was travelling on a straight section of road. In fact, she had begun the overtaking manoeuvre on a bend.
Her solicitor told the court that she quickly realised she was in the wrong lane and braked. However, the HGV also slowed, leaving her unable to return safely to the southbound side before the collision. McColl argued that braking had been the correct response once she recognised the danger.
Court places offence at top end of careless driving
Sheriff Neil Wilson said the case fell at the upper end of careless driving offences.
He imposed a three-month disqualification, reducing the period from four months because of the timing of Swanson’s guilty plea.
Swanson was also fined £450, reduced from £600, and ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge. The total financial penalty was £470.
