Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Christopher Taylor
Ref: 2021-0175
Date: 25 May 2021
Coroner: Paul Smith
Area: Lincolnshire
Responses identified: 0 / 1
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An improperly placed, non-functional flat screen monitor in a crop sprayer cab created a dangerous blind spot, obstructing the driver's view of a cyclist.
Date
25 May 2021
56-day deadline
20 Jul 2021 est.
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
An improperly placed, non-functional flat screen monitor in a crop sprayer cab created a dangerous blind spot, obstructing the driver's view of a cyclist.
View full coroner's concerns
Paul D SMITH HM Acting Senior Coroner County of Lincolnshire (i) The driver of the crop sprayer sat in a cab at the front of his vehicle. It provided an elevated view of the road with full length windows to the front and both sides. (ii) Directly in front of the driver was a steering wheel and an A pillar at each front corner of the cab. (III) To the right hand A pillar there was affixed a flat screen monitor. That was for use only when the crop sprayer was being used for agricultural purposes. (IV) A police reconstruction established that the presence of the screen fixed created a 'blind-spot' in the drivers field of view extending several metres in depth. (v) The driver of the crop sprayer had not seen the cyclist approach throughout the limited time he would have been in view. On balance that occurred directly as a consequence of the presence of the screen. (vi) The screen had no function at all whilst the vehicle was being driven on the public highway and did not need to be on a fixed mounting.
Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On 30/06/2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Christopher Lloyd TAYLOR, aged
49. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13/04/2021. The conclusion of the inquest was that Christopher Lloyd TAYLOR died as a result of Road Traffic Collision, the medical cause of death being: 1a. Pelvic and upper leg injuries sustained in a road traffic collision 1b. 1c.
2.
49. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 13/04/2021. The conclusion of the inquest was that Christopher Lloyd TAYLOR died as a result of Road Traffic Collision, the medical cause of death being: 1a. Pelvic and upper leg injuries sustained in a road traffic collision 1b. 1c.
2.
Circumstances of the death
1. Mr Taylor was a keen recreational cyclist and on the afternoon of 15 June 2020 was riding his cycle on the U130, a minor rural road running between the villages of Kingthorpe and Apley near to Wragby, Lincolnshire.
2. The road was of tarmac construction and was wide enough for only a single vehicle. There were no road markings. The carriageway way was bordered by a large overgrown hedge.
3. At a point near to 'Glad Wood' the carriageway turned through 90 degrees to the left for Mr Taylor.
4. As Mr Taylor entered the bend he encountered an agricultural crop sprayer approaching from the opposite direction. Visibility through the bend was limited and the evidence suggested that the two vehicles would only have been visible to each other for a matter of seconds.
5. Mr Taylor braked fiercely, falling from his cycle onto the ground where he was run over by the wheels of the crop sprayer causing fatal injuries.
6. The evidence suggested that Mr Taylor was not seen by the driver of the crop sprayer prior to the collision.
2. The road was of tarmac construction and was wide enough for only a single vehicle. There were no road markings. The carriageway way was bordered by a large overgrown hedge.
3. At a point near to 'Glad Wood' the carriageway turned through 90 degrees to the left for Mr Taylor.
4. As Mr Taylor entered the bend he encountered an agricultural crop sprayer approaching from the opposite direction. Visibility through the bend was limited and the evidence suggested that the two vehicles would only have been visible to each other for a matter of seconds.
5. Mr Taylor braked fiercely, falling from his cycle onto the ground where he was run over by the wheels of the crop sprayer causing fatal injuries.
6. The evidence suggested that Mr Taylor was not seen by the driver of the crop sprayer prior to the collision.
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Report details
- Reference
- 2021-0175
- Date of report
- 25 May 2021
- Coroner
- Paul Smith
- Coroner area
- Lincolnshire
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 20 Jul 2021 (estimated).
Sent to
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
Part of a series
2015-0055
2/3