THIS is the shocking moment a motorist overturned their car while texting at the wheel, losing an arm in the crash.

The driver had to have an amputation following the incident in Roedean Road in Brighton on November 15 last year. 

They gave permission for the footage to be released as part of a police crackdown on dangerous driving.

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne described the video as "a shocking display of the consequences of dangerous driving".

The Argus: Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy BourneSussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne

She said: "I am grateful to those that have agreed to share this. It really enforces the fact that we all use the roads and must share the responsibility of ensuring the safety of ourselves and others.

“Road safety will continue to be a top priority for Sussex Police because it matters to local residents. The sobering message from this video is not to drive irresponsibly because the consequences can be dangerous and life-changing.”

Sussex Police is aiming to raise awareness of the "fatal five" offences - speeding, drink and drug-driving, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt and careless and inconsiderate driving.

Sussex Police Assistant Chief Constable Dave Miller said: “While we don’t wish to shock and scare people with this footage, it’s important that road users understand the serious consequences of the ‘fatal five’ offences.

The Argus: The crash in Roedean RoadThe crash in Roedean Road

"By taking personal responsibility and driving safely and sensibly, you can help us reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured in Sussex and Surrey.”

It follows a week of action by Sussex Police in which hundreds of offences were detected on the roads in the county.

Fourteen motorists were arrested and 28 were reported for summons, while 379 traffic offence reports were recorded and 355 people were issued with strong words of advice from officers.

The patrols were part of Project EDWARD - Every Day Without A Road Death - a European-wide campaign supported by police forces in Sussex and Surrey.

ACC Miller added: “Last year in Sussex, 39 people were killed in collisions.

"That’s 39 too many, and families often never recover from the tragic and unexpected loss of a loved one.

"Throughout the week, our officers provided education and enforcement with the ultimate aim to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads each year.

“In addition to the ‘fatal five’ offences, we detected excess noise, tyre, licence and insurance offences, as well as antisocial driving and riding.

“This is also about listening to and responding to community concerns around antisocial driving and riding. That’s why we proactively patrol rural locations – as well as the main roads – as part of our daily routine roads policing, 365 days a year.

“Our priority is to keep everyone safe on our roads. This is done through raising awareness, which is generally very well received by the public, and cracking down on those who commit offences on our roads.”