Safety call after driver's death

Investigators in the cab of a lorry at the time of the accident

A lorry driver would still be alive had there been an extra safety mechanism on the vehicle, according to a coroner.

Kenny Blacoe, 32, of Llandudno, died at the Longslow dairy at Mochdre, near Colwyn Bay, as he worked on the braking system of a DAF refrigerated lorry.

It was not fitted with an extra safety device to stop it rolling forward accidentally, the inquest heard.

The Health and Safety Executive said it would like it fitted on all lorries. Verdict: accidental death.

The inquest in Llandudno was told that Mr Blacoe probably started the engine of the lorry to build up air pressure in the braking system.

Had it been in that cab Kenny Blacoe would be alive today Coroner John Hughes

Accident investigator Pc Gordon Saynor said Mr Blacoe then got out of the cab to perform other tasks.

The brakes were released automatically as pressure built up and the lorry rolled forward.

'Desperate sadness'

Mr Blacoe attempted to re-enter his cab and managed to switch off the engine.

But he was pinned between the driver's door and cab when the lorry collided with the rear of another unattended truck, Pc Saynor added.

Coroner John Hughes said an extra safety device was installed routinely by one lorry manufacturer to stop vehicles moving without the driver pressing a button, but EC rules and red tape had delayed their use by others.

"That's a desperate sadness. For had it been in that cab Kenny Blacoe would be alive today," said Mr Hughes.

After the hearing Health and Safety Executive inspector Stephen Window said: "We would be delighted if a fail-safe system were standard on all vehicles.

"It's not a legal requirement at the moment."