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Cyclist's death prompts MP3 warning
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| Abi Haythorne |
Cyclists are being warned not to ride bikes while listening to MP3 music players after the death of an Oxfordshire teenager.
Abi Haythorne, from Benson, was killed as she rode her red and silver mountain bike in front of a silver Vauxhall Cavalier on the A4074, near RAF Benson.
The 17-year-old, a former pupil at Icknield Community College in Watlington, had an MP3 player in a pocket and the earphones in her scarf - leading Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner to issue a warning about using them.
Christopher Mills, of Church View, Berinsfield, told an inquest yesterday he was driving to work at Huntercombe Young Offenders' Institution at about 7.10am on October 28 last year when Miss Haythorne pulled out from a cycle lane into the main carriageway.
He said: "I hadn't expected her to come straight out. I hit the brakes as hard as I could."
Pc Gavin Newman said he found an MP3 player in the pocket of Miss Haythorne's jeans but could not be sure whether she was listening to it at the time of the accident.
He said: "Later on, we found that the display light was illuminated but I couldn't tell if it was on. I couldn't work out if it had been playing at the time.
"Her earphones were found tucked inside her neck scarf."
Pc Mark Howard said the accident happened at a pedestrian crossing near the Preston Crowmarsh turn. He estimated Mr Mills's car was travelling at no more than 45mph.
He added a person of normal hearing would have had no trouble hearing a car at that speed.
In a written statement, Miss Haythorne's mother Gina said her daughter was on her way to work at Downlands Kennels, in Cholsey.
Mrs Haythorne added: "She was very keen on music and was almost always wearing an iPod or MP3 player with headphones."
The 37-year-old added although she had never seen her daughter cycle wearing headphones, it would not surprise her if she did.
Dr Elizabeth Soilleux, a consultant pathologist at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, said Miss Haythorne died from head injuries.
Recording a verdict of accidental death, Oxfordshire coroner Nicholas Gardiner said: "I don't think Mr Mills would have had any chance to avoid that collision. Why she didn't see the car, I don't know.
"There was a possibility she was wearing headphones at the time and I would stress that it is actually quite dangerous for motorcyclists and cyclists in that it blocks out a whole series of sounds about what is happening around you."
After the hearing, Mrs Haythorne paid tribute to her daughter, who lived with her family - including father Derek, 40, and brothers George, 15, and Will, 14 - at their home in Passey Crescent.
She said: "She was very outgoing and had lots of friends. She was very full of life."
6:07am Wednesday 23rd July 2008
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CommentPosted by: Tony Brett, Oxford on 11:42am Wed 23 Jul 08
A terrible loss and my condolences to all who knew and loved Abi. Whether or not Abi was wearing headphones will not change the terrible loss now and I make no judgement whether she was wearing them or not
I would however say to all cyclists that you need to be able to HEAR what is going on around you as well as SEE! Just don't wear headphones while cycling - it's too dangerous! Bikes don't generally have mirrors so your ears are all you have to let you know that something is coming up behind you.
A terrible loss and my condolences to all who knew and loved Abi. Whether or not Abi was wearing headphones will not change the terrible loss now and I make no judgement whether she was wearing them or not
I would however say to all cyclists that you need to be able to HEAR what is going on around you as well as SEE! Just don't wear headphones while cycling - it's too dangerous! Bikes don't generally have mirrors so your ears are all you have to let you know that something is coming up behind you.
Posted by: kelbun, Oxford on 12:47pm Wed 23 Jul 08
I think that while out with traffic around you shouldn't wear MP3 players or anything that can take away your senses, hearing, eyesight etc. Similar thing happened in BC Canada not so long ago where a helicopter crashed and killed a guy who was wearing one just walking down the street, the coroner thought if he hadn't been listening to a MP3 player he may of heard the chopper. VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - A pedestrian was among four people killed when a helicopter crashed into a residential neighborhood of a town in Canada's Rocky Mountains on Tuesday.
The helicopter with three people on board appeared to hover as if looking for a landing spot before it crashed onto a street and burst into flames in Cranbrook, British Columbia, according to officials and witnesses
I think that while out with traffic around you shouldn't wear MP3 players or anything that can take away your senses, hearing, eyesight etc. Similar thing happened in BC Canada not so long ago where a helicopter crashed and killed a guy who was wearing one just walking down the street, the coroner thought if he hadn't been listening to a MP3 player he may of heard the chopper. VANCOUVER, British Columbia (Reuters) - A pedestrian was among four people killed when a helicopter crashed into a residential neighborhood of a town in Canada's Rocky Mountains on Tuesday.
The helicopter with three people on board appeared to hover as if looking for a landing spot before it crashed onto a street and burst into flames in Cranbrook, British Columbia, according to officials and witnesses
Posted by: Adriel, Austin, TX on 2:16pm Wed 23 Jul 08
1) I think if this applies to bicycles it should apply to cars.
2) if indeed she did not look where she was going, then what did the mp3 player have to do with that? never ever change lanes without looking, in a bike, in a car, on a scooter, walking, etc.
The accident in question really had nothing to do with the use of an mp3 player and they are not even sure she was wearing it. It is very offensive to try and turn this incident into some pedestal on which to preach anti-music doctrine.
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?
This is a very sad story, and I hope this sort of thing can be prevented in the future, but banning music while riding a bicycle is not the answer. Maybe the auto should have had a greater following distance, or given more space when attempting to pass. There are many variables, and pointing to this single one, is narrow minded, and nothing short of trying to use an example to prove a theory you already had. Not an objective analysis of the incident.
1) I think if this applies to bicycles it should apply to cars.
2) if indeed she did not look where she was going, then what did the mp3 player have to do with that? never ever change lanes without looking, in a bike, in a car, on a scooter, walking, etc.
The accident in question really had nothing to do with the use of an mp3 player and they are not even sure she was wearing it. It is very offensive to try and turn this incident into some pedestal on which to preach anti-music doctrine.
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?
This is a very sad story, and I hope this sort of thing can be prevented in the future, but banning music while riding a bicycle is not the answer. Maybe the auto should have had a greater following distance, or given more space when attempting to pass. There are many variables, and pointing to this single one, is narrow minded, and nothing short of trying to use an example to prove a theory you already had. Not an objective analysis of the incident.
Posted by: G, woxon on 3:08pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[italic][bold]Adriel[/bold] wrote:
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?[/italic]
??? Not sure you have read the article correctly. The car couldn't avoid her as she cycled into its path at a pedestrian crossing ([italic]possibly[/italic] having not heard the car approaching due to her having headphones on).
Very sad case, and my condolences to her family, but it is a good piece of advice to the cyclists of Oxford from the coroner.
Adriel wrote:
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?
??? Not sure you have read the article correctly. The car couldn't avoid her as she cycled into its path at a pedestrian crossing (
possibly having not heard the car approaching due to her having headphones on).
Very sad case, and my condolences to her family, but it is a good piece of advice to the cyclists of Oxford from the coroner.
Posted by: Mark, Oxford on 3:26pm Wed 23 Jul 08
[quote]I would however say to all cyclists that you need to be able to HEAR what is going on around you as well as SEE[/quote]
Fine - but in that case can we please see some censure for loud car stereos? And people driving with their windows shut? After all car windows cut out far more noise than ipod earbuds.
Otherwise are we saying that cyclists need to hear and car drivers don't?
I would however say to all cyclists that you need to be able to HEAR what is going on around you as well as SEE
Fine - but in that case can we please see some censure for loud car stereos? And people driving with their windows shut? After all car windows cut out far more noise than ipod earbuds.
Otherwise are we saying that cyclists need to hear and car drivers don't?
Posted by: Agnes, Abingdon on 3:34pm Wed 23 Jul 08
My condolences to Abi's family on this tragedy. But I'd love to know what car Mark from Oxford drives. I drive with my windows shut, stereo at a reasonable limit and I can hear everything around me - is his armour plated? Also have you ever noticed the two mirrors left and right on a car, and the rear view - yes if you do what you are supposed to do and keep checking them you are constantly aware of who or what is around you (taking into account your vehicles blind spot). It is legal for deaf people to drive you know!
My condolences to Abi's family on this tragedy. But I'd love to know what car Mark from Oxford drives. I drive with my windows shut, stereo at a reasonable limit and I can hear everything around me - is his armour plated? Also have you ever noticed the two mirrors left and right on a car, and the rear view - yes if you do what you are supposed to do and keep checking them you are constantly aware of who or what is around you (taking into account your vehicles blind spot). It is legal for deaf people to drive you know!
Posted by: Van Driver, Oxford on 8:54pm Wed 23 Jul 08
What a terrible accident. My thoughts are with both the family and the driver.
Myself I drive for a living, For leisure I cycle with My Ipod keeping me company. Everybody needs to be aware of there surroundings and the risks involved, This is how I understand the statements made.
Please can you all stop discussing what is detracting from the fact that a young lady tragically lost her life..
My Condolences
What a terrible accident. My thoughts are with both the family and the driver.
Myself I drive for a living, For leisure I cycle with My Ipod keeping me company. Everybody needs to be aware of there surroundings and the risks involved, This is how I understand the statements made.
Please can you all stop discussing what is detracting from the fact that a young lady tragically lost her life..
My Condolences
Posted by: Mr Ison, England on 10:04pm Wed 23 Jul 08
Reminds me of a publishing ex BBC sound Engineer,a Mr R.
Stated bluntly he used an expensive brand of earplugs whilst driving to make his motor seem like a more expensive one.
I asked if that were legal and was promptly banned.
My Mp has not yet got a reply from Jack Staw relating to my query about motorists who kill and maim.
The licence exempts such fellons from prosecution at present unless aggravated by a motoring offence.
The government issues the licence and yet pays no compensation to the victim,the killer walks scot free unless special criteria can be brought to light,and even then...
I would like to see a shift from the fellon claiming victimhood and the killed or maimed blamed as the fellon.
It's overdue,as is the Secretary of State for Justice reply.
Reminds me of a publishing ex BBC sound Engineer,a Mr R.
Stated bluntly he used an expensive brand of earplugs whilst driving to make his motor seem like a more expensive one.
I asked if that were legal and was promptly banned.
My Mp has not yet got a reply from Jack Staw relating to my query about motorists who kill and maim.
The licence exempts such fellons from prosecution at present unless aggravated by a motoring offence.
The government issues the licence and yet pays no compensation to the victim,the killer walks scot free unless special criteria can be brought to light,and even then...
I would like to see a shift from the fellon claiming victimhood and the killed or maimed blamed as the fellon.
It's overdue,as is the Secretary of State for Justice reply.
Posted by: Tony Brett, Oxford on 8:53am Thu 24 Jul 08
[quote][bold]G[/bold] wrote:
[italic][bold]Adriel[/bold] wrote:
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?[/italic]
??? Not sure you have read the article correctly. The car couldn't avoid her as she cycled into its path at a pedestrian crossing ([italic]possibly[/italic] having not heard the car approaching due to her having headphones on).
Very sad case, and my condolences to her family, but it is a good piece of advice to the cyclists of Oxford from the coroner.[/quote] Car drivers have mirrors so can SEE what is behind them. Cyclists almost never do.
I drive with music or the radio on and keep an eye on my mirrors but I NEVER cycle with headphones/earphones in - it's just too dangerous!
G wrote:
Adriel wrote:
I have never heard of a car accident being attributed to not being able to hear the road, why? Why are bicycles singled out this way?
??? Not sure you have read the article correctly. The car couldn't avoid her as she cycled into its path at a pedestrian crossing (possibly having not heard the car approaching due to her having headphones on).
Very sad case, and my condolences to her family, but it is a good piece of advice to the cyclists of Oxford from the coroner.
Car drivers have mirrors so can SEE what is behind them. Cyclists almost never do.
I drive with music or the radio on and keep an eye on my mirrors but I NEVER cycle with headphones/earphones in - it's just too dangerous!
Posted by: ox2 gooner, walton manor on 8:27pm Thu 24 Jul 08
MR ISON. If you actually take the time to read your latest post you will realise what a tw@t you are. By your rekoning if somebody jumps out in front of my 4x4 and gets thmselves killed then it is somehow my fault. Yea right you tw@t
MR ISON. If you actually take the time to read your latest post you will realise what a tw@t you are. By your rekoning if somebody jumps out in front of my 4x4 and gets thmselves killed then it is somehow my fault. Yea right you tw@t
Posted by: A Biker, ox1 on 10:52pm Thu 31 Jul 08
Although I have sympathy for the victim here. Blaming headphones is an unproven variable here.
The sense of hearing has a resolution of about ± 3 degrees for sound sources directly to the front or rear. Although the presence of a vehicle would be no doubtly heard it is wrong to suggest that hearing is actually greatly beneficial on a motorcycle or human powered cycle. When riding a bicycle of any kind out of the 9 senses we have sound is 5th on the list.
Although I am not a proponent of using headphones on any vehicle or even having any kind of music player inside a car (if you have the sense use it) there is more evidence out there to support the concentrating benefits of sound waves over the environmental sound (google wave-form concentration studies).
And as any motorcyclist knows you cannot hear anything with a helmet on at any speed above 20mph. And the british saftey standards for helmets state that there has to be impact protection for hearing as well an extended shock-protection to prevent impacts or loud noises (like wind or sirens) from bursting eardrums.
Although I have sympathy for the victim here. Blaming headphones is an unproven variable here.
The sense of hearing has a resolution of about ± 3 degrees for sound sources directly to the front or rear. Although the presence of a vehicle would be no doubtly heard it is wrong to suggest that hearing is actually greatly beneficial on a motorcycle or human powered cycle. When riding a bicycle of any kind out of the 9 senses we have sound is 5th on the list.
Although I am not a proponent of using headphones on any vehicle or even having any kind of music player inside a car (if you have the sense use it) there is more evidence out there to support the concentrating benefits of sound waves over the environmental sound (google wave-form concentration studies).
And as any motorcyclist knows you cannot hear anything with a helmet on at any speed above 20mph. And the british saftey standards for helmets state that there has to be impact protection for hearing as well an extended shock-protection to prevent impacts or loud noises (like wind or sirens) from bursting eardrums.
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