Harold James Davies · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On the 16 November 2015 I commenced an investigation into the death of Harold James Davies, then aged 91. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on the 25 April 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was Road Traffic Collision, the medical cause of death was multiple injuries

1. On the evening of the 8 November 2015 Harold James Davies was driving his Volvo motorcar along Station Road, Collingham, Nottinghamshire towards its junction with the A.46 dual carriageway.
2. From the surrounding evidence, it is likely that Mr Davies was intending to cross over the northbound carriageway of the A.46 and turn right into the southbound carriageway towards Newark.
3. Mr Davies did not stop at the junction or give way to oncoming traffic in the northbound carriageway, and collided with a Jaguar motorcar travelling in lane 2.
4. Subsequent investigation of the vehicles involved in the collision and of the collision scene itself concluded:
(a) There were no mechanical or electrical defects in either vehicle that would have caused or contributed to the collision
(b) Neither driver were under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants
(c) The weather conditions were reasonable
(d) Both lighting an visibility were goo
(e) The carriageways were free of any defects or contaminants that might have caused or contributed to the collision
(f) The warning signs on the approach to the junction were clear and unobstructed.

1. Although the current road layout and existing safety provisions did not cause or contribute to the particular circumstances of this collision, I am concerned that this is the 3rd fatality at this junction since 2010. The 2 most recent fatalities in January 2014 and November 2015 involving, vehicles emerging from Station Road into the northbound carriageway.

2. Highways England and their maintenance contractor A-One+ have undertaken an extensive risk assessment of the junction and there is a proposal to undertake the following remedial safety work:
(a) vehicle activated signs on both carriageways of the A.46 to alert oncoming traffic of the presence of vehicles at the junction waiting to join or cross the carriageways
(b) the installation of slim line bollards at the Station Road junction
(c) appropriate demarcation of the central reservation/turning area.

3. Evidence was given at the inquest that there is no date for the approval of funding or the commencement of the remedial safety work.

4. The national speed limit on Station Road on its approach to the junction with the A.46 is 60mph. The SCIO gave evidence that additional warning signs and a possible reduction in speed limit on the approach would provide additional safety for drivers who were unfamiliar with the Station Road and its approach to the junction. Nottinghamshire Police has offered to meet with Nottinghamshire County Council, the authority responsible for the maintenance of Station Road, and undertake a risk assessment.