A DRIVER caught up in a horror smash on the A590 after he aquaplaned amid yesterday's (22) flooding chaos says he is fortunate to be alive.

Oscar Partridge was nearing his home in Ulverston when he lost control of his car as he made his way down the Lindale Hill. The 23-year-old, of Ash Grove, hit a patch of standing water and despite driving under the speed limit could do nothing to stop the vehicle spinning out of control.

He said: "I was on my way back from Kendal coming up past Lindale Hill doing about 65mph. I hit some standing water on the road and I aquaplaned. I spun out and crashed into the barrier.

"The car started to spin and I started to lose control. It wasn't in slow motion. I was saying 'for God's sake'."

A photo taken shortly after the crash showed Mr Partridge strapped to a stretcher. Through the harnesses a large "lucky" tattoo on his chest is clear to see.

He said "That one was my first tattoo. When I was younger I was quite lucky. Things seemed to go my way.

"I might now have to get a few exclamation marks [at the end]."

Emergency crews were quickly at the scene to help Mr Partridge following the crash. He said had another car been behind him as he lost control he would certainly have lost his life.

He said: "The car is totalled. The people said on the scene if there had been anyone behind me I would have been killed. I 100 per cent would have been killed."

Mr Partridge said he was surprisingly calm during the crash, only realising how serious it was once paramedics arrived. He was stabilised at the scene and taken to Furness General Hospital to be assessed for head and neck injuries. Miraculously he only sustained minor cuts, bruises and strains.

Because the car he was driving belonged to his mum, Mr Partridge has found humour in what could have been a tragic accident. He said: "I said if the crash didn't kill me my mum will. But a car can be replaced, a person can't be."

Mr Partridge, who works as an engineer, is back at home recuperating under the care of his girlfriend Libbi Blackhurst. He thanked the emergency services who helped him, and warned reckless drivers against thinking they can speed in dangerous conditions.

He added: "I'd really like to say thank you to the police and medics. They were amazing.

"Let this be a lesson to anyone else out there thinking they're Lewis Hamilton. This weather is extremely dangerous and you might not be as lucky as I was. Be cautious and be safe."