Coroner warns on cutting corners

A CORONER has urged drivers not to cut corners at a dangerous junction. The warning came when he recorded a verdict of accidental death on a 47-year-old woman who died after a road accident. Mother-of-two Carol Giovine, of Station Road, Ashwell, died afte

A CORONER has urged drivers not to cut corners at a dangerous junction.

The warning came when he recorded a verdict of accidental death on a 47-year-old woman who died after a road accident.

Mother-of-two Carol Giovine, of Station Road, Ashwell, died after a car collided with her bike on May 29, 2007.

She sustained serious head injuries and was taken to Addenbrooke's where she died the day after.

Barry Lynch, 21, of Guilden Morden, was charged with driving without due care and attention. He appeared in court and was give six penalty points and a £200 fine.

At the inquest yesterday (Wednesday), he said he had not seen the cyclist until he turned at the junction of Station Road and Lucas Lane.

He said he had turned right into Lucas Lane, but in doing so he cut across the middle lane where Mrs Giovine was positioned.

The controversial junction has been criticised before by villagers over safety issues.

Pc Alan McManus, a road policing officer and crash investigator, said: "There's a significant proportion of drivers that do cut across the middle to varying degrees."

Coroner Edward Thomas said: "The message to everyone is don't cut a corner.