Truck driver James Oakes clips car while overtaking on the Glenelg Highway

A Ross Creek truck driver has been called an “idiot” after he collided with a car on the Glenelg Highway.

Truck driver James Neville Oakes, 31, faced Ballarat Magistrates' Court on September 11, 2023. Photo: Facebook

A Ross Creek truckie drove close behind a car near Ballarat and clipped it with his trailer while trying to overtake on the Glenelg Highway, a court has heard.

Ballarat Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday that James Neville Oakes, 31, was driving a truck on the Glenelg Highway at Smythes Creek on January 17, 2023.

The court heard that while approaching the intersection with Bells Rd, Oakes was travelling closely behind another vehicle — less than a metre behind, according to a witness.

The driver of the front vehicle indicated an intention to turn left and slowed down.

Oakes overtook the car, but as he brought his truck and trailer back into the left lane, he clipped the turning car.

The car’s passenger side collided with a roadside marker.

Oakes realised the collision had occurred and pulled over down the road.

He waited for 10 minutes, during which time the driver of the car approached and called him an “idiot”.

Oakes then drove away and was later interviewed by police.

He told them he was “plainly and simply” trying to match the speed of the car in front of him and that he saw now point in escalating the situation by arguing with the woman who was “abusing” him.

Oakes pleaded guilty to careless driving and was fined $1100 with costs of $90.60 with no conviction recorded.