Northamptonshire woman died after losing control of car on bend, inquest hears

Rachel Dewick, 40, died after her Ford Focus collided with another Ford Focus in Main Street, Slipton, shortly before midday on November 30 last year.

The inquest in Kettering on Wednesday heard how Mrs Dewick, who worked as an administration clerk in Thrapston, was on her lunch break and may have been travelling home at the time of the accident.

She was driving towards Kettering and lost control as she approached a left-hand bend.

She then hit the kerb and careered straight into the path of an oncoming vehicle.

Mrs Dewick’s last known speed was 55mph. The speed limit for the road is 60mph.

Forensic collision investigator PC Nathan Gallon said there there were issues with the car’s stability.

He said: “There was significant crush damage to the front of vehicle one [Mrs Dewick’s], but there were no mechanical defects.

“There were issues with stability and it would appear that Rachel overcorrected.

“In my opinion the incident occurred due to errors of the driver of vehicle one.”

The driver of the second car was unable to prevent the crash and suffered fractures to her leg, neck and back.

She required an operation and was required to wear a chest brace for several months.

Mrs Dewick’s husband Jeremy said his wife of 19 years, whom he shares two children with, ‘enjoyed life’ and that the 220 to 250 people at her funeral ‘showed the type of person she was’.

Recording a verdict of accidental death by road traffic collision, senior coroner Anne Pember said: “The conclusion that I will insert is that Mrs Dewick died accidentally.

“I do believe there was nothing the second driver could have done.”