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Laughing Gas Driver's Reckless High-Speed Chase
26 Sep
Summary
- Driver high on laughing gas caused serious injuries in a multi-vehicle crash.
- Dashcam footage shows the driver swerving and hitting a lorry.
- The driver received a three-year prison sentence and driving ban.
On May 9, 2025, Cheten Bhardwaj, 35, drove dangerously under the influence of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, in Bradford, West Yorkshire. Shocking dashcam footage revealed his erratic driving, swerving past obstacles and mounting pavements before colliding with a lorry, knocking it off the road. The incident left one woman with serious injuries, and pedestrians narrowly avoided harm.
Bhardwaj faced charges including causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving with a specified controlled drug above the limit. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced at Bradford Crown Court to three years and eight months imprisonment. Additionally, he received a driving disqualification lasting three years and ten months.
Chief Inspector James Farrar condemned Bhardwaj's actions as reckless and selfish, emphasizing the severe consequences of driving while impaired by nitrous oxide. He highlighted that the drug, banned in November 2023, severely impairs driving ability, akin to other illicit substances.
