'Accidental' verdict in toddler's death

Bradley Smith, of Playford Close, died after the accident

The parents of a toddler who was crushed to death by a refuse lorry want rules around refuse collection tightened everywhere in memory of their son.

A coroner returned a verdict of accidental death in the case of 17-month-old Bradley Smith, who was hit outside his home in Rothwell, Northamptonshire, last June.

His father, Cliff Smith, said: "This accident could have been prevented, and today's inquest, and in particular the coroner's comments, reinforced that.

"We are determined to do whatever we can to ensure a similar incident never happens again."

Greatly missed

He said the family would work with a number of agencies in order to tighten safety regulations.

The accident took place when Bradley's father became distracted as Bradley played outside.

It is believed the toddler went out on to the road just beyond the family's driveway where he was hit.

The Smiths said that they and their ten-year-old son Daniel miss Bradley, whom they called a "lovely, lively little character", terribly.

Regulations changed

A police officer who investigated the child's death said that in his view the accident was caused by colleagues failing to guide back the lorry driver, Milan Krajcir, 52, while reversing.

Kettering Borough Council deputy chief executive Morris Hammond said since the accident, refuse loaders must get out of the truck and help guide drivers when reversing.

Trucks' rear warning lights and video cameras had also been improved; the council had written to manufacturers calling for a change in vehicle design to further reduce blind spots.

Coroner Anne Pember commended the council for its actions since the accident adding that she hoped the reversing regulations would become national policy.