David Smith, 75, of Horbling Lane, Stickney, has been sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court after pleading guilty to causing the death of a 62-year-old motorcyclist by careless driving.
Just prior to 2.50pm on Tuesday 29 April 2024, David Smith, heading away from Boston town centre in his blue Volvo V50, was turning into Pilleys Lane, Boston, when he failed to notice the approaching motorbike ridden by Brian Smith, 62, who was travelling along the B1183 towards Boston.
As David Smith turned, the motorcyclist braked hard, but was unable to stop in time, colliding with the front of the Volvo and falling from his bike onto the car as the rear end came off the ground due to heavy braking. Tragically, Brian Smith died at the scene from the injuries sustained in the collision.
Following an extensive investigation by Lincolnshire Police’s Serious and Forensic Collision Investigation Units, David Smith was charged with the offence that he was sentenced for at court today. Technical examinations of the vehicles found no issues that were contributory in the collision.
However, this examination found that the bike, a Honda CBR 600 RR, had been restricted in its power output limiting its top speed to approximately 90 mph. Mr Brian Smith was an experienced motorcyclist who held a full license which did not require the limiter to be fitted.
Investigators established that the motorcycle was in view for at least nine seconds before the collision occurred. Following the collision, investigators were able to test and ride the bike at the scene to establish that it braked and steered correctly.
In interview, David Smith gave a prepared statement stating that he did not see the motorbike at any point and that he was not distracted by anything inside his vehicle. He replied ‘no comment’ to all questions asked by the investigating officer.
Detective Sergeant Adam Doona, from Lincolnshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “This collision was due to David Smith failing to look properly and instigating a turn in front of an oncoming motorcyclist. Brian Smith was there to be seen and had his headlight illuminated, so it remains a mystery as to why David Smith cannot recall seeing him approach.
“The importance of concentration, particularly when undertaking any manoeuvre that may bring you into conflict with other vehicles, cannot be overstated. It is important to always look twice and ‘Think Bike’.
“David Smith’s failure to properly observe the road ahead has cost Brian Smith his life. This shouldn’t have happened and Brian’s widow is left to face her future without him at her side.”
David Smith was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years and banned from driving for 12 months and must take an extended re-test before being allowed to drive again. He must also observe a curfew at his home address between 8.00pm and 7.00am daily for a period of six months.
