Sheila Bowling

The investigation revealed that the vehicle was fitted with a so-called “Drive Clean System”. It is understood that this measures the smoothness of the driving (thus promoting fuel efficiency) and records any sudden braking or steering movements. The learned judge hearing the criminal case at the Crown Court expressed concern about this and is reported to have said the following; “The system his company employs encourages gradual acceleration and deceleration and resistance as far as possible from turning the steering wheel fiercely. It may have been possible had he used greater steering to avoid the lady who was in the last two metres of crossing the road. There was a clear error of judgement in that respect”. It is understood that whilst the learned judge gave no opinion on the role that the monitoring system may have played in the tragedy he was keen for the coroner to exercise Regulation 28 in terms of a report. Notwithstanding the passage of time since this incident, First Mainline may wish to consider the operation of this monitoring system and/or whether the training thereon is open to any improvement. 6 ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe your organisation has the power to take such action. 7 YOUR RESPONSE You are under a duty to respond to this report within 56 days of the date of this report, namely by 26th April 2017. I may extend the period upon application. Your response must contain details of action taken or proposed to be taken, setting out the timetable for action. Otherwise you must explain why no action is proposed. 8 COPIES and PUBLICATION I have sent a copy of my report to the Chief Coroner and to the following Interested Persons: The family of Sheila Bowling Traffic Commissioners I am also under a duty to send the Chief Coroner a copy of your response. The Chief Coroner may publish either or both in a complete or redacted or summary form. He may send a copy of this report to any person who he believes may find it useful or of interest. You may make representations to me, the coroner, at the time of your response, about the release or the publication of your response by the Chief Coroner.