A driver who failed to stop at a crossroads and caused a three-car collision which killed ’a talented carpenter-joiner’ in Solihull has been convicted of causing his death.
Simon Taylor, aged 34, died instantly when his car was hit in Balsall Common on the evening of 5 December, 2019.
Van driver Kane Jordan was in a white Mercedes Vito travelling on Holly Lane just before 5pm. It was dark and as Jordan, who is from Stockton on Tees, was unfamiliar with the road, he was following directions from a sat nav on his phone, being held by his passenger.
Our investigators found that as the 31-year-old approached the junction with Table Oak Lane he was travelling at about 30 to 40mph, within the speed limit, but he hadn’t seen the signs for the crossroads ahead or the ’stop’ sign.
As a result Jordan failed to stop at the junction and instead drove into a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, which was travelling along Table Oak Lane.
The force of the impact flipped the Ford onto its nearside wheels and pushed it into the path of Mr Taylor who was travelling in the opposite direction in a Honda Civic.
Tragically the Ford landed on top of the Civic, causing catastrophic injuries to Mr Taylor, who died instantly. The driver of the Ford suffered severe whiplash in the collision.
Jordan, of Thornaby, Teeside, who remained at the scene, denied causing death by careless driving but was convicted on 16 April after trial at Birmingham Crown Court.
Today Simon Taylor’s family have released a picture of their loved one and released this tribute: “Simon was a most beloved partner, son, brother and friend. His untimely death saw an end to his career as a talented carpenter-joiner, working in the Kenilworth area.
“Always smiling, Simon was also an expert face-puller with a really great sense of humour, he made us laugh so much.
“He loved animals and had a passion for the environment, enjoying walking and exploring the great outdoors whenever he got the chance with friends and family.
“Simon was full of happiness, having an especially kind and caring nature which shone through. We love and miss him so very much and mourn the long life he should’ve lived had it not been for the totally avoidable road traffic collision which ended it.”
Sergeant Mark Crozier of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Simon’s family, partner and friends at this terrible time and we are mindful that no sentence can ever change what happened that dreadful evening.
“Kane Jordan’s driving on that night caused a ripple effect so vast and subsequently affected so many people, who now have to try to rebuild and move forwards with their lives.
“We have worked with Solihull Council since the collision and Highway Services have begun to implement short term improvements and are considering plans for long term redevelopment. We will continue to work together to help prevent similar incidents of driver error occurring.”
Since the collision, Highway Services have begun to address some of these factors by implementing short term improvements and considering plans for long term redevelopment, to help prevent similar incidences of driver error occurring.
Jordan will be sentenced on Monday 17 May.