Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Tracey Rooke

Ref: 2014-0435 Date: 9 Oct 2014 Coroner: David Ridley Area: Wiltshire & Swindon Responses identified: 0 / 1 View PDF

Identified road signage issues, including location and condition, were not addressed by the Highways Authority, which delayed action until a Coroner's report was issued, despite earlier recommendations.

Date 9 Oct 2014

56-day deadline 4 Dec 2014

Responses identified 0 of 1

Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

View full coroner's concerns

During the course of the Inquest heard evidence from whose role is Force's Traffic Management and Road Safety Assessment Officer He is a former Collision Investigator. As part of his evidence he produced a copy of his report dated 26 June 2014 in respect of which believe you received a copy back in June_ In that report and specifically at pages 10 & 11 of the report; a copy of which have attached to this Regulation 28 report; he sets out a number of recommendations. share the concerns that are raised by in his report which focuses on identified issues concerning road signage, the location of road signage the current state of road signage in this particular area. am concerned that if these are not addressed that they potentially could contribute to future road traffic incidents that may result in injury of even death_ am additionally concerned having regard to the evidence that Igave in respect of which he indicated that whilst you have_ been given a COpY of his report including recommendations that Wiltshire & Swindon Coroner's Office, 26 Endless Street; Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DP Tel 01722 438900 Fax 01722 332223 The along just the and no action would be taken until make a report with a view to the prevention of future deaths. That concerns me as if as Highways Authority you believe there is merit in relation to the recommendations then it should not have to wait until a Coroner makes a report some months after the Traffic Management and Road Safety Assessment Report is submitted before action is taken.

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 14/03/2014 commenced an investigation into the death of Tracy Michelle ROOKE aged 43 investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 06 October 2014. The conclusion of the Inquest was that Tracy sustained multiple traumatic injuries as a result of a road traffic collision that occurred on 13 March 2014 on the A3102 at Mile Elm, Wiltshire.

Circumstances of the death

The circumstances of her death were that Tracey was travelling south the A3102 at Mile Elm having negotiated a left hand bend when she lost control of her vehicle which then crossed the centre of the highway before colliding with a van travelling in the opposite direction: found that the weather conditions and in particular thick fog and her unfamiliarity with the road more likely than not contributed to the incident and her death:

Action should be taken

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe you and your organisation have power to_take_such action and would be grateful if you could consider the recommendations made by and indicate whether or not they are to be implemented together with a review of the Council s practice and procedure if there is no issue in relation to the recommendations as regards implementing them sooner rather than waiting for a Regulation 28 report from a Coroner after an Inquest:

Copies sent to

Discussion and recommendations The A3102 at Mile Elm has previously been subject to a national speed restriction of 6Omph for cars, reduced to SOmph on the 12tn August 2013 following a national speed limit review_ The road layout and condition at the collision scene is such that_ in normal driving conditions, a car could travel through the bends at the maximum permitted speed without issue_ It is my opinion that the SOmph restriction is correct for the road: Road signs there is a lack of consistency in that a 'slippery road' warning is only given to drivers travelling south. The double bend sign (photograph 2) is in a poor condition and the position of the sign pole is such that the signs are obscured by a telegraph pole. Verge marker posts and chevron markers are ineffective due to damage vegetation or dirt_ Recommendation: A 'slippery road' warning sign should be provided to warn drivers travelling north: The double bend sign for southbound traffic should be replaced, with consideration for the sign pole being relocated to avoid it being obscured by the telegraph pole: Verge marker posts chevrons should be cleaned, damaged posts replaced and vegetation cut back and maintained an alternative could be to replace the verge markers and chevrons with more modern flexible chevron posts on both approaches to the bends (example below): This could reduce the level of signage_ maintenance required whilst highlighting the presence of the bends: Road markings these are in a worn condition. The double white line system for southbound traffic does not commence until the apex of the bend (photograph 2) allowing drivers the opportunity to overtake without an appropriate view ahead The 'catseyes' within the white line system are in a poor condition and ineffective_ Recommendation: the road markings should be repainted, the solid white line system for southbound traffic extended to approximately 100 metres prior to the bend (this would be similar to the northbound approach): The 'catseyes' should be refurbished and maintained: accesslmud on road on rural roads with multiple farm access points, it is inevitable that there will be a transfer of mud / debris onto the road surface. It is my opinion that the amount of mud shown in photograph 10 is excessive and unacceptable_ The mud, unless cleared promptly, will be spread by traffic and extending the area of road and signage affected Page 10 of 11 Farm

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Report details

Reference: 2014-0435
Date of report: 9 October 2014
Coroner: David Ridley
Coroner area: Wiltshire & Swindon

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: 4 Dec 2014.

Sent to

Wiltshire Council

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.