A “heartbroken” driver who had six seconds to spot an oncoming motorcyclist on a road near Grantham has admitted causing the biker’s death.
A court heard on Wednesday (February 2) Natalia Remizovsky could not fathom why she didn’t see Stewart Bell on his motorbike when she turned right, across his path, on the A607 at Belton.
Mr Bell, who was in his 50s and from Derbyshire, died at the scene near Belton Garden Centre.
Remizovsky, 46, was in tears as she pleaded guilty to her careless driving causing his death at about midday on April 4 last year.
Prosecutor Bethany Leigh told Lincoln Magistrates’ Court a police investigation calculated Mr Bell had been travelling at an average of 66mph.
Miss Leigh said: “There would have been around 6.18 to 6.89 seconds available for the defendant to notice the presence of the motorcycle in the southbound lane.
“The carriageway is long and straight and there were no obstructions.
“Mr Bell’s BMW motorbike had the front headlight illuminated and there is no reason whatsoever why the defendant didn’t see Mr Bell approaching.”
The investigation concluded the crash was due to Remizovsky’s “inattention”.
Miss Leigh told the bench up to 6.8 secs would not necessarily amount to a “momentary lapse in concentration or momentary inattention”.
Remizovsky told police in interview she could offer no reason why she hadn’t seen the motorbike or might have been distracted.
The defendant, of Littlegreen Road, Woodthorpe, near Nottingham, had no previous convictions.
Members of Mr Bell’s family were in court for the hearing.
Barrister Ian Bridge, mitigating, said the most important thing to say was how sorry his client was.
He added: “There’s not a morning goes by that she doesn’t wake up and realise she’s killed a man.
“She looks to her own family throughout the day and thinks about how they would manage without their father or without her and finds it very difficult to live with herself.
“She’s heartbroken and very sorry and hopes the family can accept her apology and the condolences that she offers.”
Mr Bridge said motorists “far too frequently” fail to see motorcyclists and there are a number of theories on why that is.
Detective Sergeant Emma Ward, from Lincolnshire Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “It’s impossible to reflect the loss of life with a conviction for careless driving.
“Mrs Remizivsky did not set out to harm anyone that day and has pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. She did not look properly and was distracted by the junction layout. Her actions have led to the death of a 59-year-old man who was simply riding his motorbike home.
“Our thoughts are with the family of Stew today.”
A full investigation was completed by the Serious Collision Investigation Unit to determine the cause of the collision. The RTC was captured on a dash cam fitted to a witness’ vehicle. A reconstruction established the motorbike was in the sight of the driver for six to seven seconds and travelling at an average speed of 66 mph prior to the collision.
The case was adjourned to March 10 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared. Remizovsky, who has not driven since the crash, was given an interim driving disqualification and granted unconditional bail to the next hearing.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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