Investigation and inquest
On 11 December 2017 I commenced an investigation into the death of Jacob Elliot Brown aged 21 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 15 June 2018. The conclusion of the inquest was ‘road traffic collision’ with Jacob having died from a traumatic brain injury.
Circumstances of the death
Jacob Brown died at the Royal Stoke University Hospital on 7 December 2017 from injuries sustained in a road traffic collision at Barton under Needwood on 11 November 2017. He had been driving a car and followed by a friend in another car. Jacob had accelerated, lost control on a bend and crossed the carriageway into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Coroner’s concerns
For many young drivers now insurance companies will reduce the premium payable significantly if relevant vehicle has a ‘black box’ in it monitoring the actions of the driver. During the inquest Jacob’s family made the interesting suggestion that it should be compulsory for all young drivers (say between 17 and 25) to have black boxes fitted in any vehicles they drive. I was also assured that practically this can be done. If this was the situation then it would be likely to save a number of lives in the future and I would appreciate your views on this.