Pauline Howell · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 8 February 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of Pauline Howell, date of birth 30 May 1939, aged 78 years.

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 3 June 2019.
The conclusion of the inquest was: Accidental Death
Medical Cause of death: Head Injury.

On 5 February 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne City Centre; Pauline Howell, a pedestrian, walked in an Easterly direction on the North pavement of Newbridge Street West towards the pedestrian crossing at the junction with John Dobson Street.

She continued walking in an Easterly direction on to the pedestrian crossing at the junction, in contravention of the pedestrian phase of the traffic lights ahead of her.

A single-decked bus travelling East on Newbridge Street West, at the junction with John Dobson Street turned left to travel North.

The bus struck Pauline Howell causing injuries which resulted in her death.

In the opinion of Collision Investigators the design/layout of the junction was a significant contributory factor in the events that occurred, in that:

The proximity of the crossing to the junction, combined with the “tight” nature of the left-turn-manoeuvre, allowed no opportunity for the bus driver to identify the pedestrian hazard and/or take action to avoid a collision.

The evidence confirmed a previous death from a similar collision at the said junction.

(1) The risk of pedestrian error at the John Dobson Street crossing is foreseeable.
(2) The crossing is situated close to the junction.
(3) The crossing is situated on a busy bus route.
(4) The Junction is “tight” and challenging for public service vehicle drivers to negotiate.
(5) The design/layout of the junction/crossing allow no margin for error by either or both pedestrian and driver.
(6) The deaths of two pedestrians resulted from injuries sustained whilst crossing this junction in similar circumstances and the risk of future deaths continues.