UK Inquiry Tracker

Kevin Ritson

PFD Report Historic (No Identified Response) Ref: 2016-wp25356

Date of Report 10 August 2016

Coroner David Roberts

Coroner Area Cumbria

Response Deadline est. 5 October 2016

Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Judiciary.uk Report PDF

Coroner's Concerns (AI summary)

A chevron warning sign was missing following an earlier accident, the road surface was in poor condition with patched holes, and the road surface adhesion was below standard.

View full coroner's concerns

(1) The deceased was riding his motor bike through Stangrah Farm near Whitbeck. This had been the scene of an earlier accident damage from which had removed a chevron warning sign. It was clear from photographs that the road surface was not in good condition and holes had been patched. Evidence also showed the road surface adhesion to be below standard.

Sent To

Highways Department, Cumbria County Council

Response Status

Linked responses 0 of 1

56-Day Deadline 5 Oct 2016

About PFD responses

Organisations named in PFD reports must respond within 56 days explaining what actions they are taking.

Source: Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

Report Sections

Investigation and Inquest

On 10th August 2015 | commenced I commenced an investigation into the death of Kevin David RITSON, aged 35 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest 27th June 2016. The conclusion of the inquest was: 1a) Multiple Injuries Conclusion: Accident

Circumstances of the Death

On the 4th August 2015 the deceased and a companion went for a motorcycle ride around Cumbria via Penrith and Barrow. Whilst heading homewards north on the A595, on a left hand bend at Stangrah Farm, the deceased lost control of his machine, crossing the central white line and came off and entered the verge on the offside of the road. He was airlifted to Preston Hospital where he died of unsurvivable injuries.

Action Should Be Taken

Whilst it is appreciated that many roads in the county require treatment the A595 is the main road to Barrow and the south, the Coroner requests you consider taking action at this particular location to upgrade the road surface and warning signs.