I write further to my last post regarding the importance of altering your driving technique in order to take in to account the road conditions.
The recent tragic death of 19 year old Louisa Marshall whom was involved in road traffic accident on Bakewell Road, Matlock highlights the severity of just how dangerous our roads can become.
The young girl had been to Harvey’s wine bar with some friends following work and offered to give them all a lift home. There were 5 friends and she agreed to take 4 and then return to collect the fifth member of the group. She took them to a friend’s home in Darley Dale and it was on returning to Matlock to collect the fifth friend that she crashed in to a tree.
Investigations have taken place in to the accident circumstances as no other vehicles were involved. It was found that Miss Marshall had very little alcohol in her blood stream and there were no defects to her vehicle which could have caused her to lose control. There was no evidence of skid marks on the road and a collision investigator found that the bend prior to the accident location could have easily been negotiated in excess of the 40 mile per hour speed limit.
It is believed that she may have taken the bend too wide and on trying to correct her manoeuvre she may have lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the collision. Miss Marshall had only been driving for 1 year and had owned the vehicle she was in for only 1 month.
The Deputy North Derbyshire Coroner reported that given the circumstances of the case Miss Marshall’s claim could only reported to be an accident.
The above report is very tragic and whilst the verdict was one of accidental causes it is important to remember how easily we can lose control of our vehicles and thus how important it is to ensure that we do everything in our power to ensure that we are as safe as possible when out on the road.
Although we cannot predict or prevent the actions of third party’s we can make sure that we are there to be seen and we are in a position whereby, if necessary, we can take evasive action.
Make sure all of your headlights, side lights etc are in full working order and they are clean so they are clearly visible. Always leave plenty of room between yourself and the vehicle in front of you. If someone is driving too close behind then indicate and pull over when it is safe to do so in order that they may pass you by.
Always think carefully before driving late at night. Even if you haven’t been drinking, our judgment is impaired when we are tired and our concentration is greatly reduced.
