A fatal accident inquiry into the death of a pedestrian struck by the extended outrigger leg of a lorry found that deaths in similar circumstances could happen again, writes Chris Tindall.
Chloe Morrison died in October 2019 as she was walking along a footpath next to the A82 at Kerrowdown near Drumnadrochit.
An HGV owned and operated by Glenevin approached Chloe Morrison from behind with its nearside outrigger fully extended horizontally and locked in position. It extended 1.3m over the pavement and struck the 26-year-old causing her to sustain fatal injuries.
The inquiry found that the company, which has since gone into administration, should have been aware of the absence of a “not stowed” warning system in relation to the outriggers, albeit there was no legal obligation to have it fitted.
It also found that the company should have taken steps to ensure the driver was trained as part of daily walk round checks to ensure outriggers were secure and safely stowed.
A report into Morrison’s death by the Association of Lorry Loader Manufacturers and Importers (ALLMI) said it was very difficult to accurately assess the overall size of the UK lorry loader industry, or how many lorry loaders were on the roads without stabiliser not stowed warning systems in place.
ALLMI technical director Keith Sylvester said his belief was that ‘a great many lorry loaders were still on UK roads without warning systems installed’.
The inquiry’s Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said: “There is no doubt in my mind that [Morrison’s] death occurred in circumstances which give rise to serious public concern.
“Without rectification of certain requirements relating to the installation of safety systems relating to lorry loaders there remains a possibility that similar circumstances could arise again.
“I have concluded that steps could be taken which might realistically prevent deaths in similar circumstances.”
As a result, the inquiry recommended companies operating outriggers ensure their HGV drivers were suitably trained on stowing outriggers prior to commencing any journey.
It also recommended the potential need for legislative change: “The UK government, through the secretary of state for transport, give consideration to the introduction of statutory provisions to the effect that all LGVs and HGVs fitted with outriggers must be fitted with an audible and visible warning system and/or an immobiliser for the purpose of giving warning whilst the vehicle is in motion that the outriggers are not secure or safely stowed,” he said.
Andy Shanks, procurator fiscal leading on death investigations for the crown office in Scotland, said: “The tragic death of Chloe Morrison occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary fatal accident inquiry was instructed.
“Chloe’s death was a devastating loss for her family and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
