A coroner has warned that lives would remain at risk unless a motorway barrier was altered following two deaths. Tyler Cox, 18, and Darren Reilly, 55, died after their silver Range Rover left the southbound carriageway of the M1 near Watford on 1 April 2024.

Hertfordshire Coroner Jacques Howell said safety barriers could stop vehicles leaving the carriageway and hitting trees, says the BBC.

National Highways said it would respond after reviewing the report. A spokesperson said their thoughts were with the grieving family and friends, adding: “Any death on our roads is one too many.”

In his report the coroner described how Mr Reilly was ‘driving a Range Rover accompanied by his partner and her three children, one of whom was Miss Cox. They were driving along the M1 southbound, when approximately 1 mile before the exit slip road for junction 5 for Watford, Mr Reilly lost control of the vehicle, resulting in the vehicle leaving the carriageway to the nearside, through a gap in the safety barrier that runs along the nearside of the M1 and colliding with trees. As a result of the collision both Mr Reilly and Miss Cox sustained fatal traumatic injuries, and their deaths were confirmed at the scene.’

This part of the M1 is lined with trees, which Mr Howell warned could lead to “a very sharp and sudden deceleration” if collided with.

While such gaps are usually present to allow access, witnesses from the roads policing unit could not explain to the coroner why a barrier was not present at this specific spot.

The safety barriers prevent vehicles leaving the carriageway and brings them to a more controlled stop.

The coroner concluded: ‘In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths, and I believe your organisation [National Highways] has the power to take such action.’

National Highways has until 12 September to respond to the report outlining possible actions and a timetable to implement them.

(Pic: Mapillary)