Prevention of Future Deaths reports · 2023

Vivien Radocz

Regulation 28 report to prevent future deaths, reference 2023-0141, written 27 Apr 2023. A coroner writes one of these when an inquest reveals a risk that could cause further deaths unless something changes.

Date of report27 Apr 2023
Reference2023-0141
DeceasedVivien Radocz
CoronerSimon Milburn
Coroner areaCambridgeshire and Peterborough
CategoryRoad (Highways Safety) related deaths
Sourcejudiciary.uk record · original PDF
Responses publishednone published

The report

Text extracted from the PDF text layer. Reproduced verbatim, including the scan's own layout.

Regulation 28: REPORT TO PREVENT FUTURE DEATHS 

NOTE:  This form is to be used after an inquest. 

REGULATION 28 REPORT TO PREVENT DEATHS 

THIS REPORT IS BEING SENT TO: 

1  Peterborough City Council - Highways Department 

1  CORONER 

I am Simon Milburn Area Coroner for the coroner area of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. 

2  CORONER’S LEGAL POWERS 

I make this report under paragraph 7, Schedule 5, of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 
and regulations 28 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. 

The Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013 (legislation.gov.uk) 

3 

INVESTIGATION and INQUEST 

On 03.09.22 I commenced an investigation into the death of Vivien RADÓCZ, aged 28 
years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 07.03.23. The conclusion of 
the inquest was: 

Medical cause of death:- 1a Drowning 

Inquest Conclusion –  Road Traffic Collision 

4  CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEATH 

Vivien was the driver of a Ford Focus motor vehicle travelling west along Old Oundle Road, 
Wittering at about 1035hrs on 03.09.22. The vehicle failed to negotiate a sharp left hand 
bend, left the carriageway to the offside before it entered a pond and became submerged 
upside down in water. Vivien was unable to escape from the submerged vehicle which was 
not discovered until around 1730hrs that day. Emergency services attended the scene and 
Fire Officers then extricated Vivien from the vehicle. Sadly her death was confirmed at the 
scene by a paramedic at 1942hrs 

5  CORONER’S CONCERNS 

During the course of the investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. 
In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the 
circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. 

The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: 
(brief summary of matters of concern) 

The vehicle involved in the collision failed to negotiate the left hand band on the westbound 
Old Oundle Road at Wittering adjacent to the rear crash gates of RAF Wittering. The vehicle 
left the road to its offside and entered a pond where it became submerged in water. The 2 
occupants of the vehicle drowned as a result. 

There is sharp route deviation signage for vehicles travelling in the opposite direction but 
nothing to alert westbound drivers of the sharp left hand bend. The water beyond the bend 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021 

 clearly creates an additional hazard. 

Whilst the precise reason the vehicle failed to negotiate the left hand bend on this occasion 
is unclear I am concerned that the lack of signage alerting westbound traffic of the bend at 
this location creates a risk of future incidents and death, not least because of the water 
beyond. 

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 July 05th, 2023.  I, the coroner, may extend the period. 

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 

AXA INSURANCE; 

 (mother) 

I have also sent it to 

The Fenland Road Safety Campaign 

who may find it useful or of interest. 

I am also under a duty to send a copy of your response to the Chief Coroner and all 
interested persons who in my opinion should receive it. 

I may also send a copy of your response to any person who I believe may find it useful or 
of interest. 

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. 

9  Dated: 10/05/2023 

Simon MILBURN 
Area Coroner for 
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough 

Regulation 28 – After Inquest 
Document Template Updated 30/07/2021

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