A Richmondshire aristocrat has been cleared of dangerous driving after causing a three-car crash on the A66.
Lady Susan Zetland, 77, of Aske Hall, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, tried to cross the trans-Pennine road at the Hargill junction on July 4.
Teesside Crown Court heard there was a contraflow put in place and cones indicating cars should only turn left onto the dual carriageway.
Lady Zetland had admitted careless driving, but denied being dangerous.
Jurors cleared her of the more serious charge after deliberating for three hours.
She had been on the way to the gym when her car was hit by a Nissan Qashqai after she pulled out in front of it, the court heard.
Watch the accident here:
She was then spun into the other lane in her Subaru Outback and was hit by a lorry driving the other way.
She told the court her memory was “fuzzy” about the incident, adding: “I did not realise I had made the decision to go because the next thing I knew I had been hit.”
Judge Howard Crowson fined her £500 and placed six points on her licence.
Speaking afterwards, Lady Zetland said: “I’m delighted and relieved. It’s not something I want to go through again.
“It’s not put me off driving, I’m glad it’s over.”
