Tracy Michelle ROOKE · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 14/03/2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of Tracy Michelle ROOKE aged 43. The investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 06 October 2014. The conclusion of the Inquest was that Tracy sustained multiple traumatic injuries as a result of a road traffic collision that occurred on 13 March 2014 on the A3102 at Mile Elm, Wiltshire.

The circumstances of her death were that Tracy was travelling south along the A3102 at Mile Elm having just negotiated a left hand bend when she lost control of her vehicle which then crossed the centre of the highway before colliding with a van travelling in the opposite direction. I found that the weather conditions and in particular thick fog and her unfamiliarity with the road more likely than not contributed to the incident and her death.

During the course of the Inquest I had cause to hear evidence from ████████ a Traffic Management and Road Safety Assessment Officer with Wiltshire Police. I also had the opportunity to look at his report dated 26 June 2014. The reason for writing to each of you is that I am informed the farmyard and land to the rear of Quobbs Farm are let to you and therefore each of you have access onto the A3102 from Quobbs Farm. I have enclosed with this letter page 9 of the ████████ report which shows photographs of the entrance to Quobbs Farm that were taken at the time the police were in attendance in relation to Ms Rooke’s death. I wish to stress now that the mud on the road at this particular location played no part whatsoever in the death of Ms Rooke.

The above having been said if evidence is presented to a Coroner as part of an Inquest process irrespective of it being unconnected with the circumstances of that person’s death, a Coroner can make a Regulation 28 report if he or she has concerns with a view to prevention of future deaths. I am concerned in relation to the quantity of mud visible in the photographs and also as regards the quality of signage located in such close proximity to the start of the muddied section of highway. I have dealt with deaths on Wiltshire roads that have involved farm mud on the highway and I am aware of the hazard it creates. I fully accept farmers have a livelihood to make however I would ask that you review and inform me of your practice and procedures to deal with mud on the highway and as to whether or not in the light of the photographs your practices could be improved and if so how. You may also like to consider seeking advice from either the National Farmers Union or Wiltshire Council as Highways Authority.