Bury Free Press, 16th December 1939. “The Lighting Restrictions. BURY CORONER’S COMMENTS ON DRIVING HANDICAPS. lnquest on Thetford Motor- Cyclist. Inquest on a Thetford motor-cyclist, Robert George Lockwood (39), an aircraftsman, whose home was at 5, St. Mary’s Place, who was fatally injured when his machine came into collision with car, was held at the Bury and West Suffolk General Hospital on Tuesday evening. The lights of both vehicles were dimmed to comply with the lighting restrictions and the accident occurred on the Elveden-Thetford Road on Thursday last. The motor-cyclist was admitted the West Suffolk General Hospital, where he died early on Sunday morning. The Borough Coroner (Mr. George Carter), in returning verdict of ’Accidental Death’ said that in the circumstances he could not say that there was any negligence, as they understood negligence, on the part either the motor-cyclist or the driver of the car. These two men were under a very severe handicap in driving on the road in darkness and using lights which under the circumstances are very much restricted.” he said. “I am in some doubt as to whether a car driver should drive at the rate of m.p.h. under these circumstances because I gather the limit of view is about 15 yards. The severe restrictions on lights is a very great danger”. |