A coroner has raised concerns of more deaths on the roads after the “catastrophic failure” of an HGV’s under-run protection bar when a car driver ploughed into it on the M25.
Senior coroner Richard Travers said he was also concerned about the design of anti-lock braking systems following the death of Toyota motorist Lisa Bowen in January 2022.
An inquest found Bowen’s brakes did not work effectively when she pulled onto the hard shoulder following a tyre detachment, because the car’s anti-locking braking device perceived the problem lay with the other three slower moving wheels and so the system released the braking pressure.
As a result, Bowen’s car collided with and then travelled under a stationary Scania lorry at 37.9mph, killing her instantly.
Travers said the anti-locking system was working in accordance with its design, but that it did not address the specific scenario faced by Bowen.
He also said that although the Scania’s under-run protection bar was compliant with current regulations and legal requirements, its strength was “grossly insufficient, either to have prevented any under-run, or even to have reduced the extent of the Toyota’s under-run.”
In a report to prevent future deaths, Travers added: “One expert stated that he was aware that some under-run protection devices are capable of providing protection against much greater forces than is currently required under the law and he expressed disappointment that the relevant legislation and regulations are not more robustly framed, so as to require the use of these much stronger devices.
“I am concerned that, in the absence of more stringent requirements in relation to the degree of force that an under-run protection device should be capable of withstanding, a risk of future death arises.”
The coroner’s report has been sent to the department for transport (DfT), the DVSA, Toyota and a copy was also sent to Scania.
A DfT spokesperson said: “Every death on our roads is a tragedy, and our thoughts are with Lisa’s family and loved ones.
“We will carefully review the coroner’s findings from this tragic case to determine the appropriateness of further amendments to these requirements.”
In a statement, Scania said: “In the coroner’s ruling, it recognised that the run-under protection device fitted was fully compliant with all relevant legislation.
“At Scania, safety is of the utmost importance. We continuously work with regulators and legislators to consider changes that improve safety for all road users.”
Toyota also said it had cooperated fully with the coroner’s investigation: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident,” it added.
“Toyota acknowledges the findings of the coroner and will carefully review the senior coroner’s conclusions.
“At this stage Toyota cannot give further information until its review process is completed.”
