Wife Issues Road Safety Plea Following Husband’s Death

A widow has called on the Government to introduce annual testing for elderly drivers after her husband was killed in a hit-and-run cycling to work.

Simon Jones, 48, suffered fatal chest and head injuries when he was hit by a car on the A259 Hawthorn Road in Littlehampton. The driver, who was aged 93 at the time, did not stop and continued his journey to a golf club, Lewes Crown Court was told.

Lawyers help family access specialist support following dad's death

Following his death Simon’s wife Linda, 59, instructed expert road accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help her access the specialist care and support her family requires.

Linda, of Littlehampton, is now warning of the consequences of dangerous driving. 

It comes after a jury found the driver guilty of causing Simon’s death by dangerous driving. 

Expert Opinion

“This is truly tragic case for all involved. The collision has had devastating ramifications for Linda and the rest of her family. Their lives have been turned upside down by the events that happened that day.

“We urge motorists to take care on the roads at all times so other families don’t have to experience the loss that Simon’s family have through no fault of their own.

“We will continue to support Linda and the rest of her family to help them try and come to terms with their loss the best they can.” Jessica Bowles - Associate Solicitor

Cyclist Simon Jones fatally injured in A259 crash

Simon was cycling to his job as a factory worker in East Worthing when he was hit by a Volkswagen Up on the eastbound A259. The collision happened near to Mill Lane roundabout at about 6.30am on 1 August, 2019. 

Simon was riding near to the kerb of the inside lane and two motorists had used the outside lane of the dual carriageway to overtake him, the court was told. 

Witnesses, including an off-duty police officer, managed to take a partial registration number for the car. Shortly afterwards the car was located by police at a nearby golf driving range.  

Simon died at the scene.

Wife's tribute after cyclist husband killed in crash

Linda is encouraging  older drivers to visit their doctor once a year to discuss whether they are fit to drive as well as undergoing annual eye and hearing tests.

Speaking after the hearing Linda said: “Simon was such a charming, warm and wonderful person who was well liked by everyone who knew him. 

“He was an amazing husband and step-dad and grandad.  We still can’t believe he is no longer part of our family. There’s not a day goes by where we don’t think of Simon and all the plans we should be making and memories we should be creating as a family.
 
“What makes it even harder to come to terms with is that his death was so unnecessary.

Family urge older drivers to undergo annual medical tests

“While we know nothing will bring Simon back our family feel that, if any good can come out of this, it would be through the introduction of annual checks for elderly drivers.

“We appreciate that for many elderly people driving helps them maintain their independence and reduces social isolation, which is incredibly important. However, what’s more important is that they should be able to prove they are not a danger to the public so other families don’t have to suffer the heartache we have because of Simon’s death.

“We don’t want to label all elderly drivers as a danger but it’s vital other road users as well as the drivers themselves are protected.
 
“If the driver in this case had been tested we believe that Simon would still be with us.”

The driver, James Mackie, 95, of Littlehampton, was too frail to stand trial himself. A jury convicted him of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was sentenced to a 12 month supervision order and received a four year driving ban.