Thomas Pickering · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 4th December 2020 we commenced an investigation into the tragic death of Thomas Pickering

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 19th August 2021. The conclusion of the inquest was that:-

On the 26 August 2020 Mr Pickering left home at approximately 22.20 with his girlfriend as a passenger. He was driving his Kia car towards Mangittree train station on the A137 near Tattingstone, Ipswich in order for her to depart on the 22.54 train.

At around 22.45 a road traffic collision occurred in the northbound lane near to Nine Oaks and Walleys Farm at the brow of the hill. The likely cause of this collision was due to the Kia overtaking a VW Golf despite the white lines, resulting in the collision with the oncoming Saab in an offset head-on impact. The speedometer of the Kia was recorded as 71mph and the speed limit at this section was 60mph.

Emergency services were called and fire crew service support was provided given that the Kia was verted due to the collision and Mr Pickering remained upside down in the driving seat. Following his release from the car, paramedic support was then able to be assessed but Mr Pickering was recognised as passing away at 23.45 at the scene of the collision due to massive multiple injuries sustained.

The medical cause of death was confirmed as:

1a Massive Multiple Injuries
1b RTC

Following on from the above and the Forensic Collision Investigator report I understand that the site of the incident already has solid white lines and a 60mph limit, however I heard that the area is a blind summit without signage or other warnings on approach, and the family understand that there have been other RTC’s at the location.

I am concerned as to whether further preventative steps can be taken to mitigate the risk of future RTC’s at the site given the apparent lack of signage – eg hidden dips, or signage relating to notification of recent incidents at the area to increase awareness eg the number of fatalities/collisions.