Eilidh Cairns verdict

I'd say that was impossible, as we are constantly distracted by things from behind, in front, on the left and on the right, and in any situation where your are distracted by something on the left for example, all other sides are momentarily exposed to a freak accident, as your attention if elsewhere, especially so at speed.

In any case, training drivers of low visibility vehicles such as HGV to be more aware of the risks is a good way to go. However drivers won't be too concerned as they wont be the ones getting hurt.

I do think that cyclist training is the real way to go, because it is them, indeed us, that catch the brunt of a drivers inattention.

But it's still a gray area, as for example in London and other extremely congested roads, you are forced into dangerous situations, no matter what you do, or know.

It still makes me feel sad and helpless when i hear someone has died cycling on the road, because i always feel it could have been avoided, had the person known a little more about his/her safety on the road,
the driver been more aware of the risks to fellow cyclists
and the road been more suitable for cyclists.

The law means nothing because once a person dies, the damage has already been done.
Justice perhaps can be sought in the continual improvement of conditions for cyclists ?

Great post - deserves to be on this page as well.

MarkJ - we don't know enough to lay the blame on the lorry driver, i very much doubt he did it on purpose and i should imagine he has had some pretty horrible days when he has recounted what he went through. On the other foot, suggesting an improvement in cycling skills starts to suggest the victim was at fault. not good

Without a solid eye witness they can only speculate and select evidence to build a case, but humans have no more evolved to drive cars as we have to fly and we will make mistakes. this one being very, very costly

The best result is a huge rise in awareness on the risks of HGVs (this has been done, more than ever since Elidhs accident) and improved training/security measures on HGVs.
Did a summary of the drivers training/history and the HGVs condition make it into the trial?