Ian Paul HARRIS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 28 August 2024 I commenced an investigation into the death of Ian Paul HARRIS

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 14 January 2025. The conclusion of the inquest was that the cause of death for the late Mr. Harris was due to a road traffic collision, including the medical cause of death of multiple traumatic injuries.

On the 23 August 2024 the late Mr. Harris was driving a motor car on the A483 at Sweeney, Oswestry, Shropshire when it was in collision with an oncoming Heavy Goods Vehicle.

Mr. Harris lost control of his vehicle and drifted across into the part of the oncoming vehicle due most likely to a medical condition.

• The medical condition of the deceased was known. He was known to have suffered blackouts and was also in addition to a car driving licence, the holder of an HGV licence. The deceased had informed his own GP that he was no longer driving and had notified DVLA. Neither appear to have been correct. Additionally, in order to renew his HGV licence, the deceased completed a form DP4 on the 19 August 2024 which was accompanied by a Medical examination report of the same date.

• For whatever reason the deceased did not seek the medical report from his own GP, who would have known about his medical condition and who therefore would not have been able to support the application. Instead the deceased went to an independent GP and that GP completed the medical examination report based solely on what the deceased had told him (and without disclosing his medical condition) without having access to his medical records.

• A statement from DVLA relating to this inquest tells us that a driver is recommended to have their own GP complete the examination and the D4 medical report but there is no obligation on drivers to see their own GP.

• The concern is if a driver is prepared to provide inaccurate information to the DVLA there is nothing to prevent him doing the same to an independent GP who has no means of checking the accuracy of the information given to them. It then raises the question, what is the purpose and value of a driver being able to provide information to an independent GP who is not in a position to confirm its accuracy?

• In my view, consideration should be given as to whether a report from the driver’s own GP should be required or, if not, an independent GP should be able to have access to the medical records themselves.

• 4 days after completing the 2 forms the fatal accident occurred, with additional injury and loss to others.