Investigation and inquest
On 16/07/2020 10:57 I commenced an investigation into the death of Andrew BIDDLECOMBE aged 70. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25/02/2021 00:00. The conclusion of the inquest was:
1a Severe Head and Neck Injuries
1b Road Traffic Incident
1c
II
Circumstances of the death
The deceased died on 10th July 2020 at Portsdown Hill Road, Bedhampton, Hampshire. The deceased was driving a convertible motor car in the opposing carriageway when the nearside front of the motor car collided with a sign-post causing the motor car to roll over causing the deceased fatal injury to the head and neck. The deceased made no attempt to slow down or steer away from the sign-post, it cannot be ascertained whether the deceased suffered a medical episode or whether the deceased's poor eyesight and mobility hindered the deceased in avoiding the collision. The deceased's pre-existing medical conditions contributed to the death.
Coroner’s concerns
The deceased was 70 years of age.
The deceased had several medical conditions including Parkinson’s disease; had suffered possible epileptic seizures; had bilateral posterior capsular opacity. The deceased was known to have problematic double vision and was partially sighted in his right eye. The deceased was known to have poor mobility.
The deceased was prescribed medications namely Ipninia XL a medication with a recognised side-effect of sudden sleep onset episodes and Ramipril a medication with recognised side-effects of blurred vision, confusion and dizziness.
It was known that the deceased was a current driver, noting the Parkinson’s review in February 2020.
The deceased had not been advised of the impact of his medical conditions on his ability to drive safely nor had he been advised of the legal requirement to notify the DVLA of his medical conditions.
The practice did not inform the DVLA of the deceased’s medical conditions relevant to the deceased’s ability to drive safely.