Inquest into A23 crash - 8 fatalities.
Discussion
Last May there was a nasty crash on the A23. 19 year old in an old BMW crossed the central res killing all five in his car and three in the car that he hit. Truly an horrific incident.
However, some of the statements at the inquest (as reported in 2 local rags ) have to be questioned. One chap stated that "he had never seen a car travel so fast on a UK road", while others who were overtaken were asked to estimate the speed. Estimates vary from 70mph to 100mph. CIU gave a speed before impact of 90mph.
And guess what........now thare are calls for speed cameras on that stretch of road. Anyoe who knows the road will be aware of how dangerous that would be.
Traffic negotiates this "hazard" every day at an average speed of about 80mph - more during the early morning rush. It is a series of sweeping S bends with plenty of forward vision. Imagine planting a scamera there - cars braking hard to stay within the limit on a lovely bendy bit. Still, at least the additional accidents will justify additional cameras.
However, some of the statements at the inquest (as reported in 2 local rags ) have to be questioned. One chap stated that "he had never seen a car travel so fast on a UK road", while others who were overtaken were asked to estimate the speed. Estimates vary from 70mph to 100mph. CIU gave a speed before impact of 90mph.
And guess what........now thare are calls for speed cameras on that stretch of road. Anyoe who knows the road will be aware of how dangerous that would be.
Traffic negotiates this "hazard" every day at an average speed of about 80mph - more during the early morning rush. It is a series of sweeping S bends with plenty of forward vision. Imagine planting a scamera there - cars braking hard to stay within the limit on a lovely bendy bit. Still, at least the additional accidents will justify additional cameras.
Drove up from Brighton today. There were 4 BIB patrol cars on the side of the road, but looked like they BIB were walking around in the field on the side. Any idea what was happening, looked odd.
Also parked in front of them was a blue Evo viii, was that theirs, unmarked? Surely not.
Also parked in front of them was a blue Evo viii, was that theirs, unmarked? Surely not.
More witness statements: Witnesses said they saw Treliving "tailgating" cars and passing others on the inside lane. They formed the impression that he was racing.
It was also reported that the post mortem examinations revealed that both Treliving (driver) and Sharpe (a passenger in the BMW) had traces of cannabis in their blood. However, owing to its persistence in the blood, it was not possible to conclude when they had taken the drug.
This was an young fool driving a relatively powerful car faster than he could could control with traces of cannabis in his blood and three teenage girls in the car (does anyone not think he was showing off?).
Streaky
It was also reported that the post mortem examinations revealed that both Treliving (driver) and Sharpe (a passenger in the BMW) had traces of cannabis in their blood. However, owing to its persistence in the blood, it was not possible to conclude when they had taken the drug.
This was an young fool driving a relatively powerful car faster than he could could control with traces of cannabis in his blood and three teenage girls in the car (does anyone not think he was showing off?).
Streaky
towman said:
Isn`t it strange though - in the 11 months since the crash, and with traffic travelling at similar speeds, there has not been another like it.
It is certainly something to be very thankful for. It does sound as though some kind of disaster was almost invited in that case.
Stay safe folks,
Dave.
towman said:
And guess what........now thare are calls for speed cameras on that stretch of road. Anyoe who knows the road will be aware of how dangerous that would be.
This was the worst accident in Sussex for many years. Hopefully no camera will appear on that road, although rumour has it that the Police are speed trapping on the A23 more these days. However I did over hear a member of Sussex Police Traffic Division talking whilst over duty earlier today. He was saying he tries to avoid operating a speed gun, and does two half days a year on it! Much prefers looking for those driving whilst disqualified, or drunk.
You may disagree but I get the impression that Sussex Camera Partnership do tend to target true accident blackspots, and the camera sites, whether mobile or not are well marked. In Crowborough they actually have a mobile camera spot outside a school! Not convinced that the accident blackspot is at that point, its actually about 1/2 a mile down the road! However can;t really complain about a camera site outside a school!
The M23 accident would appear to be a result of bad driving, it wasn;t explained why the car left the road in the first place, even had it been doing 90 it should have been able to negotiate the bend without incident.
Police "perches" on the A23:......
Northbound
On the "on" slip at Pyecombe village, just after the A273 split - check your mirrors!
Behind the trees on the "on" slip from Hickstead - mirrors again
On the on slip from Jeremys Corner - mirrors again
At the entrance to the old Little Chef on Handcross Hill - it is hidden in the dip (I got caught there!)
Southbound
Top of the uphill section of Handcross Hill
In the big layby (occasionally in the farm entrance) just before Hickstead Services
Mobile scam van on top of Bolney bridge (opposite Jeremys Corner)
Sometimes in the cafe layby at Pyecome.
You have been warned.
ANPR van under the Albourne-Hurstpierpoint bridge.
Northbound
On the "on" slip at Pyecombe village, just after the A273 split - check your mirrors!
Behind the trees on the "on" slip from Hickstead - mirrors again
On the on slip from Jeremys Corner - mirrors again
At the entrance to the old Little Chef on Handcross Hill - it is hidden in the dip (I got caught there!)
Southbound
Top of the uphill section of Handcross Hill
In the big layby (occasionally in the farm entrance) just before Hickstead Services
Mobile scam van on top of Bolney bridge (opposite Jeremys Corner)
Sometimes in the cafe layby at Pyecome.
You have been warned.
ANPR van under the Albourne-Hurstpierpoint bridge.
towman said:
Isn`t it strange though - in the 11 months since the crash, and with traffic travelling at similar speeds, there has not been another like it.
I wonder if the speed had nothing to do with it?
Maybe even a camera wouldn't have been able to "save" them.
(I'm sure that won't stop the local (yokel) papers baying for a camera.)
towman said:
Police "perches" on the A23:......
Northbound
On the "on" slip at Pyecombe village, just after the A273 split - check your mirrors!
Behind the trees on the "on" slip from Hickstead - mirrors again
On the on slip from Jeremys Corner - mirrors again
At the entrance to the old Little Chef on Handcross Hill - it is hidden in the dip (I got caught there!)
Southbound
Top of the uphill section of Handcross Hill
In the big layby (occasionally in the farm entrance) just before Hickstead Services
Mobile scam van on top of Bolney bridge (opposite Jeremys Corner)
Sometimes in the cafe layby at Pyecome.
You have been warned.
ANPR van under the Albourne-Hurstpierpoint bridge.
The BiB were after the last bend of the S curves going southwards yesterday morning. Normally at that point the pedal gets pressed hard by lots of drivers, instead there was a sea of red brake lights. How safe
We never had any of this on the old A23... though it was a single carriageway and no one could ever get above 30!
It does seem that since the building of the Brighton bypass and the tripling of the of Pyecombe dual carriageway, there's been an increase in 'nutter' activity, particularly going southbound towards the A27 roundabout. How many roadsigns are in that last 400 yard stretch now?
It does seem that since the building of the Brighton bypass and the tripling of the of Pyecombe dual carriageway, there's been an increase in 'nutter' activity, particularly going southbound towards the A27 roundabout. How many roadsigns are in that last 400 yard stretch now?
streaky said:
More witness statements: Witnesses said they saw Treliving "tailgating" cars and passing others on the inside lane. They formed the impression that he was racing.
It was also reported that the post mortem examinations revealed that both Treliving (driver) and Sharpe (a passenger in the BMW) had traces of cannabis in their blood. However, owing to its persistence in the blood, it was not possible to conclude when they had taken the drug.
This was an young fool driving a relatively powerful car faster than he could could control with traces of cannabis in his blood and three teenage girls in the car (does anyone not think he was showing off?).
Streaky
I'll be bloody amazed if he was stoned because doing anything more complex than walking and scratching your arse is nigh on impossible. Many years ago a mate of mine was pulled whilst driving down the M90. "are you aware of what speed you are doing?" asked plod "about 70?" replied mate "actually more like 30, is everything ok"
rallysanf said:
Drove up from Brighton today. There were 4 BIB patrol cars on the side of the road, but looked like they BIB were walking around in the field on the side. Any idea what was happening, looked odd.
Also parked in front of them was a blue Evo viii, was that theirs, unmarked? Surely not.
There was a fatal accident on the M23 near Bolney Friday, so probably something to do with this.
And I do believe there is an unmarked Evo around these parts but havnt seen it personally.
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