Davie Jones inquest - accidental death verdict

Coroner of Inquests John Needham has called for fresh debate on the introduction of a national speed limit in the Isle of Man after concluding speed was a factor in the death of a Ramsey biker.

Thirty-three year old David Jones died last May after hitting a bin wagon just after the Cronk-v-Voddy straight.

He entered the corner at 100mph and hit the wagon at more than 75mph on his 1000cc Suzuki GSXR.

The inquest heard two days of evidence and viewed video footage of the fatal ride around the TT course in practice week. Mr Jones died from multiple head and chest injuries.

Mr Needham said some road users treat de-restricted roads as race tracks and government should look at the benefits of introducing a national speed limit.

Giving evidence Director of Highways Richard Pearson said he felt a national speed limit would save lives, although that was his personal feeling and the decision he said, was ultimately a political one.

The coroner also called on the Department of Infrastructure and Health and Safety Inspectorate to give safety advice to all those who work on the Island's roads, in both the public and private sectors.

The court was told the wagon stopped at the northerly entrance to a house, towards the end of a bend in the road. A police report suggested if the wagon had stopped at the southerly entrance road users approaching it would have been afforded a better view of the vehicle. 

However, Mr Needham said he could not reach a conclusion as to whether the crash would have been avoided had the lorry stopped at the first entrance.

He also ruled there was no gross negligance on the part of bin lorry driver Andrew Clarke.

In his concluding remarks, the coroner said Mr Jones threw himself into everything in life with a fun attitude and he passed his condolences to the family.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded.