Mystery over cause of driver distraction

Marceli Waclawek, of Biggleswade died after his silver Honda Accord hit a tree by the A1 in July.

Polish national Mr Waclawek, of Bunyan Road was distracted by something, causing him to oversteer on the southbound carriageway close to Edworth, Bedford Coronor’s Court was told.

The collision occurred at around 7.40pm on Saturday, July 14.

Giving evidence, PC Steve Goates of the Beds and Herts Collision Investigation Unit at Beds Police said it was unclear exactly what had led to the 33-year-old oversteering to such an extent.

He said: “After over-steering one way the driver then steered the other but he overcompensated, causing the vehicle to fishtail which in turn led to it colliding with the tree.

“There is no evidence that there were any animals in the car or that a mobile phone was being used.

“On collision the vehicle’s airbags inflated though the driver was not wearing his seatbelt.”

Toxicology reports showed that there were no traces of alcohol or drugs in Mr Waclawek’s system, coroner David Scott Morris told the court.

Mr Morris recorded a narrative verdict and said Mr Waclawek – who was identified by a close friend – died of multiple injuries he sustained in the collision.

Police closed a section of the A1 southbound from the Biggleswade south roundabout to the Stotfold junction after the collision.

A female driver was also taken to Lister Hospital in Stevenage with a neck injury after two cars collided immediately afterwards.

The vehicles were in collision after one swerved to avoid a wheel which flew off the silver Honda Accord Mr Waclawek was driving when it hit the tree.

When the Chronicle approached Mr Waclawek’s family after the collision his fiancée said the family were preparing to return to Poland for his funeral.

It is believed they have now returned to live in the country.