Fear of footbridge led to road death

Jun 27 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal

A YOUNG woman died because she decided to cross a busy city centre motorway rather than use a dimly-lit bridge, an inquest was told yesterday.

Jennifer Jane Davis, 23, who lived with her grandparents in Clifton Terrace, Whitley Bay, was hit by a taxi last October 20.

The former drama student was on her way home from a night out with friends when she tried to cross Newcastle’s central motorway near the Swan House Roundabout at 4am.

She was walking to a friend’s house in Heaton, Newcastle, when she ran in front of the Volkswagon Sharan taxi.

The driver could not stop and Jennifer was thrown through the air to land on the opposite side of the central reservation in the southbound carriageway.

Her mother Tracy, 42, told an inquest at Newcastle Civic Centre yesterday that her daughter had chosen the route because she feared walking over the elevated foot bridges that pass over the motorway.

She said: “In Jennifer’s defence, she used to go home to her friend’s that way because of the unsuitability of the bridges.

“That footbridge is horrible, my daughter actually had a video clip on her phone and it was frightening because it was not well lit.

“It’s a dangerous stretch of road and Jennifer’s has not been the only death there.”

Coroner David Mitford said he would make a recommendation to those responsible for improved lighting across the bridge and better motorway signs to warn pedestrians.

Speaking after the inquest, Mrs Davis fought back tears and paid a moving tribute to her daughter.

She said: “They were tragic events and a lot of things culminated to cause her death.

“It’s very hard, but I have no animosity now. I don’t blame anybody. She had a good night out and she had been with her friends.

“It was a tragic accident and I’ve come to terms with it now, but I miss her every day. She was my only child and I know she is always there with me.

“There is nothing to indicate that pedestrians cannot cross the road there, and no restrictions to stop a pedestrian on that motorway.

“It’s the young that are getting killed and there will be more mums out there crying for the loss of their young children unless something is done.”

A spokesman for Newcastle City Council, which is in charge of street lighting, said: “We’d like to send our condolences to Jennifer’s family during what must be an extremely distressing time and we’ll wait to hear from the coroner and her family about any issues raised at yesterday’s inquest.

“Jennifer’s death was a tragedy, but we still believe Newcastle is an increasingly safe place both to live and work.

“The city council is currently renewing Newcastle’s street lights and is continuing its work to make people feel safer.”

Verdict: accident.