Donald John Drummond MITCHELL · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 31 December 2020 I commenced an investigation into the death of Donald John Drummond MITCHELL . The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest 17/01/2025 .
The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision.

The medical Cause of Death was:-

1a Blunt Head Injury, including Transection of both Internal Carotid Arteries
1b
1c
II

These were recorded as :-

Donald John Drummond Mitchell was cycling from his place of work to his home on 17 December 2020. Whilst cycling along the A48 road in an eastbound direction, between the Laleston roundabout and the junction of Well Street, Mr Mitchell was struck by a vehicle travelling in the same direction. Mr Michell suffered catastrophic head injuries as a consequence of the collision and was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.

Conclusion: Road Traffic Collision

(1) Between 2015 and 2024, along the A48 between Pyle and Ewenny which is a 5.75 mile stretch of road, there have been 4 fatal collisions and 8 serious collisions. Of these collisions, 5 involved cyclists.

(2) On the basis of the evidence of the nature of the road between Ewenny roundabout and Pyle roundabout (which varies between a single and dual carriageway), the speed limit in place (which varies between 40mph and up to national speed limit), the current absence of an active travel route or modifications to the route to specifically cater for cyclist safety, along with the data available as to the number of collisions along this route relating to cyclist, I remain concerned that there is a risk of future deaths occurring along this route unless action is taken.