Michael James THORNTON · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 13 November 2023, I commenced an investigation into the death of Michael James THORNTON deceased at 30 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 11 July 2013. The Conclusion of the Inquest was accidental death and the cause of death was:
1a Drowning
1b Reduced Consciousness
1c Traumatic Head Injury
2. Ethanol Ingestion

The deceased was a front seat passenger of a Landover Discovery being driven along Pill Road near Rooksbridge in the early hours of Tuesday 13 November 2012, at a speed of not more than 30 mph when the driver swerved to avoid a Roe Deer, subsequently causing the Landrover to leave the carriageway, cross a few feel of level verge and enter the adjoining rhy nne, landing on its roof.

The driver and the passenger in the rear seat were able to extradite themselves and shortly after pulled the deceased from the vehicle and placed him onto the underside of the vehicle which was then lying between 2ft and 4ft above the water.

In the present case, although the driver was above the drink driving limit for alcohol he was however a local and knew the road well and evidence was given that his driving had not been a matter of concern to two witnesses and further that Roe Deer were present in the area.

That I have between one and two deaths per year from vehicles leaving the carriageway and landing in a rhy nne, often resulting in the death of the occupant by drowning and therefore some action should be taken to prevent future death. Although the erection of retaining barriers along the sides of any carriageway to adjoining rhynnes might prevent future accidents, the cost would be prohibitive and well beyond resources of the County Council, given that there must be between 100 and 200 miles of roadway to be protected.