Recurring concern

Inadequate road sight distance for drivers to identify hazards safely

First to latest report 15 Nov 2013 — 23 Apr 2025

Reports that mention this concern
25
Times this concern has been raised
26
Stated actions linked to this concern
14

What this concern includes

Includes road crests, bends, junction layouts and comparable fixed road features where the coroner identifies inadequate driver sight distance.

What is not included
  • Vehicle conspicuity or vehicle blind spots
  • Road lighting, signs or markings where geometric sight distance is adequate
  • General highway maintenance without an identified sight-distance hazard

Reports and published responses 25 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. South Wales Central

    AI-generated summary

    Martin Robert SAUNDERS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Martin Robert Saunders, aged 48, died at the scene after his motorbike collided with a coach making a right turn from a layby on the A4059 New Road, Mountain Ash, on 17 June 2023. The report raised concern that reduced visibility, speed and vehicles turning right across the carriageway from the layby created a risk of future deaths along this route.

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Risk of road traffic collisions from vehicles turning right across the carriageway from the layby

    Wider context from the report

    “The collision occurred on the A4059, New Road, Mountain Ash near the exit of a parking bay located on the east side of the carriageway. The parking area can be busy. At the time of the collision, the speed limit on the road was 60 mph and there was no prohibition on making right turns from the layby. The combination of reduced visibility due to the bends in the road, speed and right turns across the carriageway increases the risk of road traffic collisions. Changes are in progress to reduce the maximum speed limit but even allowing for this, I remain concerned there is a risk of future deaths occurring along this route unless action is taken, due to vehicles turning right across the carriageway from the layby on this stretch of road. ”

    Source location

    Martin Robert SAUNDERS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Recommendations concerning the A4059 should be addressed to RCTCBC, which is responsible as the local highway authority.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The Welsh Government and its Ministers are the Highway Authority responsible for the Motorway & Trunk Road Network in Wales.”

    Source location

    Response from Welsh Government
    Page 1 · response
    Published 30 April 2025

    Open published response

  2. Oxfordshire

    AI-generated summary

    Anthony John PAINE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Anthony Paine died at the scene after being struck by a car while crossing the A361 in Banbury on 24 March 2023. Concerns were expressed that the 30 mph speed limit may be too high for the road’s characteristics and pedestrian volume, and that a slower vehicle speed might have allowed more time to react or reduced the severity of the impact.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Obscured visibility of the pedestrian crossing for approaching vehicles

    Wider context from the report

    “The speed limit on the A361 North Bar Street at the location of the collision is 30 mph. There was a concern expressed at the Inquest that this speed limit may be too high, given the characteristics of the road and the volume of pedestrian traffic in the area. The A361 at this location is a long, straight, single carriageway with one lane in each direction. Travelling southbound, the pedestrian crossing is approached from a gradual rise in the road from Banbury Cross Roundabout, some 150 meters away. There is in the road obscures the view of the pedestrian crossing to approaching vehicles. There are a number of pubs and restaurants on both sides of the road and a number of pedestrians in the area late into the evening. The Forensic Collision Investigator concluded that in the short window of time in which Mr. Paine was likely visible to the driver, they failed to see him. The Investigator’s evidence was that even if the driver had seen Mr. Paine, there would have been insufficient time to react and avoid the collision. However, the Investigator’s evidence also stated that if the vehicle had been traveling at a slower speed, this may have provided the driver with sufficient time to react and either avoid the collision or reduce the severity of the impact. In the opinion of the Forensic Collision Investigator, the speed of the driver’s vehicle was 32.6 mph ± 3.6 mph and was a contributing factor to the severity of the collision and that, as a general point, the slower the vehicle is travelling the less severe the effects of any impact. It was further noted that other nearby town/city centres (eg Oxford) have introduced 20 mph speed limits on roads in the city centre. ”

    Source location

    Anthony John PAINE · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  3. Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton

    AI-generated summary

    George Robert DILLON · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    George Robert DILLON, aged 19, lost control of a VW Golf while driving over a crest on Lee Lane at night on 18 May 2023 and collided with a tree. He suffered catastrophic injuries and died in hospital on 20 May 2023. The report raises concern that the hazard posed by the crest is not readily apparent at night, even to vehicles travelling within the speed limit, and that warning signs are absent.

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inability of drivers to see the road immediately beyond the crest

    Wider context from the report

    “C. When travelling south, approaching the crest, as the Deceased did, it is possible to see a bend in the road in the distance, but the road immediately beyond the crest is not visible to a car driver. ”

    Source location

    George Robert DILLON · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  4. Lincolnshire

    AI-generated summary

    Absolom Adolphus Abraham Zephaniah DUFFY · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Absolom Duffy was travelling in his Land Rover Defender when he exited Sand Lane, Saxilby, onto Doddington Road and collided with another vehicle; he died from his injuries. The concern was whether the junction would be safer with a stop command rather than a give-way warning because of its restricted view.

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of junction signage to require stopping where visibility of the major road is restricted

    Wider context from the report

    “The B1190 Tom Otter’s Lane junction with the C267 Sand Lane, Saxilby, Lincolnshire provides for the road user approaching from either direction on Sand Lane to give way to traffic on the major B1190 road. There is a restricted view of the B1190 as a road user approaches the junction. To be certain the B1190 road is clear a road user would be required to stop, however the road signage only requires a road user to give way. Would the junction be safer for road users if it displayed a stop command rather than a give way warning? ”

    Source location

    Absolom Adolphus Abraham Zephaniah DUFFY · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Regularly assess vegetation at the junction approaches and take enforcement action to maintain maximum visibility and unobstructed visibility splays.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “• Vegetation at approaches to this junction will be assessed regularly by the Local Highways team, with appropriate enforcement action taken to ensure that it gives maximum visibility and does not reduce the splays when exiting onto the B1190.”

    Source location

    Response from Lincolnshire Council
    Page 3 · response
    Published 6 September 2023

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing Give Way signage will not be changed because junction visibility substantially exceeds the distance at which a Stop sign might be considered.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The visibility distance below which a STOP sign might be considered at this location is 90m (based on using 85th percentile speed of 60mph) as specified in Table 2.1 of Traffic Signs Manual Chapter 3.”

    Source location

    Response from Lincolnshire Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 6 September 2023

    Open published response

  5. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

    AI-generated summary

    KAIUS JOHN PAUL TUTT · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kaius John Paul Tutt died from multiple injuries after the motorcycle he was riding collided with a car on the A391 near St Austell on 14 October 2022. The principal concerns were faded or missing road-marking deflection arrows, visibility issues at the collision location, and the limited benefit of the downhill overtaking opportunity. The report also records a recommendation to amend the road layout, with no funding then available to facilitate it.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Visibility deficiencies between downhill traffic and cars exiting the roundabout

    Wider context from the report

    “(2) The court found that there were visibility issues for those travelling downhill viewing cars exiting roundabout and vice versa. ”

    Source location

    KAIUS JOHN PAUL TUTT · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  6. South Wales Central

    AI-generated summary

    Aaron David Edwards · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Aaron David Edwards, aged 42, died at the scene on 30 August 2020 after his motorcycle collided with a car at a junction in Merthyr Tydfil. The concerns identified were poor visibility at the junction, additional traffic and parked cars near a school during pick-up and drop-off times, and the risk of further deaths if driver speeds were not reduced.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Poor visibility at the Goitre Lane and Gurnos Ring Road junction

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The junction of Goitre Lane and the Gurnos Ring Road appears to be dangerous. Visibility is poor for the driver entering the Ring Road due to the bend in the road to the right and the railings protecting a subway below. (2) Traffic and parked cars around this area at the nearby school Pen-Y-Dre at pick-up and drop off times add to this danger. (3) Unless changes are made to slow down drivers on the Gurnos Ring Road more deaths may occur. ”

    Source location

    Aaron David Edwards · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  7. Manchester West

    AI-generated summary

    Michael John Draper and Rafal Wojdyl · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Michael John Draper and Rafal Wojdyl died from injuries sustained in a road traffic collision at the junction of Cadishead Way and Fairhills Road, Irlam, on 23 June 2021. The concerns related to the junction’s busy layout, a 50 mph speed limit, restricted visibility caused by the bend, bridge, trees and bushes, and the absence of traffic signals.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Restricted visibility for vehicles exiting Fairhills Road into Cadishead Way

    Wider context from the report

    “1) During the Inquest evidence was heard that:- a) The junction is very busy allowing access to industrial and retail units, including Tesco, Lidl and Screwfix off Fairhills Road, Irlam. b) Cadishead Way, Irlam is a very busy designated ‘A’ road, namely the A57 road, which is an access road towards Manchester in one direction and the M6 motorway in the other direction. c) At the junction there is no footpath on one side of Cadishead Way and approaching the junction with Fairhills Road from the direction of the M6 motorway there is a bend, a bridge, trees and bushes, all of which obscure and affect the line of vision of vehicles exiting Fairhills Road into Cadishead Way, Irlam. d) The junction of Fairhills Road with Cadishead Way, Irlam is very busy with vehicles turning into both Fairhills Road and Cadishead Way from both directions, which could cause distractions to drivers, particularly a driver exiting Fairhills Road into Cadishead Way with vehicles travelling at 50mph along Cadishead Way and the restricted view. 2) I request that you conduct a review of the following issues in relation to the junction of Fairhills Road with Cadishead Way, Irlam: a) The layout of the junction of Fairhills Road with Cadishead Way, Irlam. b) The speed limit of 50mph on Cadishead Way in the area of the junction with Fairhills Road, Irlam. c) The restricted views of vehicles pulling out of Fairhills Road into Cadishead Way, Irlam, particularly caused by trees, bushes and undergrowth. d) The provision of traffic signals at the junction of Fairhills Road with Cadishead Way, Irlam. ”

    Source location

    Michael John Draper and Rafal Wojdyl · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  8. Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

    AI-generated summary

    Daniel Mark HUGHES · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Daniel Mark HUGHES died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with a motorcar on the A483 at Sweeney near Oswestry on 4 June 2017. The report raised concerns about visibility from a driveway near a blind bend, the appropriateness of the speed limit, and whether a warning of the concealed driveway should be displayed.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate visibility for right turns from the driveway or failure to deter turning

    Wider context from the report

    “The motorist concerned was turning right from the driveway of a property approximately 90 meters south of a blind bend. There was little or no margin of error in crossing the southbound carriageway to travel north. There are specific areas of concern: 1) Whether and how visibility to the right may be improved or turning deterred. 2) Whether the speed limit at the bend is appropriate. 3) Whether a warning of a concealed driveway could be displayed. ”

    Source location

    Daniel Mark HUGHES · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Property owners, not Highways England, are responsible for improving visibility because the relevant walls, fences and hedgerows are privately owned.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Responsibility for the visibility exiting a property entrance is that of the property owner and not Highways England. Any steps to improve the visibility would also require amendments to boundary walls, fences and hedgerows on land which is not owned by Highways England. Therefore, no action is proposed.”

    Source location

    2020-0295-Response-from-Highways-England-Redacted
    Page 1 · response
    Published 8 January 2021

    Open published response

  9. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 2 August 2018, Jason Imi and John Shackley were struck by a motor car while crossing the A329 to return to the Royal Berkshire Hotel, sustaining fatal injuries and dying at the scene. The principal concern was the continuing risk to pedestrians because there was no footpath or street lighting by the hotel, alongside reduced visibility caused by tree canopy and a dip in the road.

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    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Impaired forward visibility caused by a dip in the A329 eastbound approach

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that there is no footpath on the A329 on the side of the road where the Royal Berkshire Hotel is located, meaning that any pedestrians walking into or out of the hotel entrance have to cross the A329 to get from or to a footpath, and that there is no street lighting in the vicinity of the hotel. Street lights end 100 metres west of the hotel entrance. This means that pedestrians entering or leaving the hotel during the hours of darkness have to cross the road in a place where there is no illumination, and so they are not easily visible to motorists driving along the A329. There is also a tree canopy in the summer, further shading the road, and a dip in the road surface on the eastbound approach to the hotel which adversely affects forward visibility towards the hotel for motorists. I consider that unless some action is taken there is a continuing risk of pedestrians entering or leaving the Royal Berkshire Hotel being run over as they cross the A329 at night. ”

    Source location

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing signing adequately alerts approaching drivers to the hotel entrance, so further signing or traffic measures are not necessary.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “4. Although there is a slight dip in the road in the vicinity of the Hotel entrance, there is adequate signing to advise of the Hotel entrance as well as signing immediately opposite the Hotel entrance. Further signing or traffic measures are not considered necessary to alert approaching drivers to the presence of the Hotel entrance.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

  10. Berkshire

    AI-generated summary

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 2 August 2018, Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley were struck by a motor car while crossing the A329 near the Royal Berkshire Hotel and died at the scene. The report raises concerns about the lack of a footpath and street lighting near the hotel, reduced visibility for motorists, and the continuing risk to pedestrians crossing the road at night.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Road-surface dip impairing forward visibility on the eastbound approach to the hotel

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that there is no footpath on the A329 on the side of the road where the Royal Berkshire Hotel is located, meaning that any pedestrians walking into or out of the hotel entrance have to cross the A329 to get from or to a footpath, and that there is no street lighting in the vicinity of the hotel. Street lights end 100 metres west of the hotel entrance. This means that pedestrians entering or leaving the hotel during the hours of darkness have to cross the road in a place where there is no illumination, and so they are not easily visible to motorists driving along the A329. There is also a tree canopy in the summer, further shading the road, and a dip in the road surface on the eastbound approach to the hotel which adversely affects forward visibility towards the hotel for motorists. I consider that unless some action is taken there is a continuing risk of pedestrians entering or leaving the Royal Berkshire Hotel being run over as they cross the A329 at night. ”

    Source location

    Jason Robert Imi and John Carl Shackley · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Existing signing adequately alerts approaching drivers to the hotel entrance, so further signing or traffic measures are not necessary.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “4. Although there is a slight dip in the road in the vicinity of the Hotel entrance, there is adequate signing to advise of the Hotel entrance as well as signing immediately opposite the Hotel entrance. Further signing or traffic measures are not considered necessary to alert approaching drivers to the presence of the Hotel entrance.”

    Source location

    Response from The Highways Authority
    Page 2 · response
    Published 13 September 2019

    Open published response

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026