Deceased name: Harry Johnson
PF Ref: LE23000321
Category: Road traffic accident
Summary: Mr Harry Johnson was 84 years of age at the time of his death on 26 December 2023. He resided on Shetland.
On the afternoon of 25 December 2023 Mr Johnson was driving home, having enjoyed Christmas dinner with his family.
The road he was travelling on was categorised by the local authority as ‘Priority 1’, meaning it is one they aim to keep open and passable at all times, including during severe weather.
The speed limit on the road he was travelling on was 60mph but due to the icy conditions Mr Johnson was travelling at less than 35mph.
As another car was approaching, also travelling well below the speed limit, Mr Johnson’s car slid on the ice and travelled into the opposing carriageway.
The driver of the approaching vehicle tried to manoeuvre as far to the side of the road as possible to avoid a collision, but the front end of Mr Johnson’s car hit the driver’s side of the oncoming vehicle.
Emergency services were contacted and attended. Mr Johnson was taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital and consideration was given to him being transferred to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
Unfortunately, Mr Johnson deteriorated over night and died.
Investigation
An investigation by the Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU) within COPFS found that the local authority policy in relation to the winter maintenance of roads provided that there was no treatment of roads on Christmas Day and on New Years Day.
Weather conditions on 24 December 2023 meant that the local authority did not pre-grit the roads as they normally would according to the maintenance policy in place. This is in keeping with the guidance provided by the National Winter Service Research Group.
Concerns
The lack of gritting on key dates, particularly when adverse weather was forecast, raised concerns about whether the existing winter maintenance policy provided adequate safety measures.
Findings and Learnings
The SFIU concluded that the Local Authority’s actions on 24 December 2023 were consistent with its policy at the time and aligned with established national guidance.
During the investigation, the local authority confirmed that it has since updated its winter roads maintenance policy.
Under the new policy, Priority 1 roads in Shetland are now gritted on the mornings of both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.