Investigation and inquest
On the 11th November 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Vichai Tonpradit.
The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 11 October 2016.
The conclusion of the inquest was a Narrative Verdict: Road Traffic Collision contributed to by the road layout. The raised section of the tarmac presents a hazard to road users, and a solid white line left from the previous road layout running into the kerb is potentially confusing.
Circumstances of the death
On the 10th November 2015 at around 19:28hrs Vichai Tonpradit was riding his motorcycle northbound on the A1(M) in the nearside lane towards Junction 6 at Welwyn. When he attempted to cross the hatched area of the exit to rejoin the main carriageway he struck a raised section of tarmac separating the slip road from the main carriageway. He fell to the road surface and as he rose was struck by a heavy goods vehicle and then by a small hatchback travelling in the northbound carriageway. Vichai Tonpradit was confirmed deceased at the scene at 19:41hrs by a paramedic. Multiple Traumatic Injuries
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The raised section of the tarmac separating the slip road from the main carriageway on the A1(M) approaching Junction 6 northbound is potentially hazardous.
(2) At the same location, the visual marking (solid white line) from the previous road layout is potentially confusing