Ex-Officer Charged in Derbyshire Death Crash: A Call for Pedestrian Safety Awareness

The tragic death of a pedestrian in Etwall, Derbyshire, allegedly caused by a former police officer, has ignited a critical conversation about road safety and the responsibility of drivers to protect vulnerable road users. According to recent statistics, accidents between vehicles and pedestrians increased by 17% in Derbyshire since 2022, highlighting an urgent need for increased awareness and preventative measures. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety.

The Etwall Incident: A Community in Mourning

On September 28, 2021, a fatal road traffic collision occurred on Egginton Road in Etwall, Derbyshire. James Bane, a 50-year-old educational psychologist from Nottingham, tragically lost his life. Another pedestrian sustained serious injuries. In April 2025, Michael Cooper, a former Detective Chief Inspector with Derbyshire Constabulary, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with the incident. Cooper appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court and was granted bail. The case has been adjourned to Nottingham Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched an investigation following a mandatory referral from Derbyshire Constabulary. The IOPC’s investigation led to the charges against Cooper. A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police stated that the charges against Cooper are extremely serious and that the force has fully supported the IOPC investigation.

Understanding “Causing Death by Dangerous Driving”

In the UK, “causing death by dangerous driving” is a serious offense under Section 1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. It occurs when a person drives a mechanically propelled vehicle dangerously on a road or other public place, and that driving results in the death of another person. Dangerous driving is defined as driving that falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver, and it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that way would be dangerous.

Examples of dangerous driving include:

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions.
Aggressive Driving: Racing, tailgating, or other forms of reckless behavior.
Ignoring Traffic Signals: Disregarding traffic lights, road signs, or warnings from passengers.
Driving Under the Influence: Operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications.
Distracted Driving: Using a mobile phone or engaging in other activities that divert attention from the road.
Driving when unfit: Including having an injury, being unable to see clearly, not taking prescribed drugs, or being sleepy.
Knowing the vehicle has a dangerous fault or an unsafe load.

The Legal Consequences

The penalties for causing death by dangerous driving are severe. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment for offences committed on or after June 28, 2022. In addition to imprisonment, a mandatory driving disqualification of at least 5 years is imposed, and the offender must pass an extended re-test to regain their license. The courts also have the power to issue an unlimited fine. The average custodial sentence for causing death by dangerous driving in 2020 was almost 5 years in prison. It is likely this number will increase following the recent change to the maximum term.

Pedestrian Safety: A Shared Responsibility

While the legal system seeks to hold those responsible for dangerous driving accountable, preventing such tragedies requires a multi-faceted approach focused on enhancing pedestrian safety.

For Drivers:

Be Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the presence of pedestrians, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
Reduce Speed: Adjust your speed to the conditions and be prepared to stop quickly.
Avoid Distractions: Refrain from using mobile phones or engaging in other activities that take your attention away from the road.
Respect Pedestrian Crossings: Always yield to pedestrians at zebra crossings, parallel crossings, and light-controlled crossings when they have a green signal.
Give Way at Junctions: At junctions, give way to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross the road into which or from which you are turning.
Be Mindful of Vulnerable Road Users: Exercise extra caution around children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

For Pedestrians:

Use Pavements and Footways: If provided, always use pavements and footways.
Cross Safely: Find a safe place to cross where you can see clearly in all directions. Use designated crossings whenever possible.
Be Visible: Wear light-colored, bright, or fluorescent clothing in poor daylight conditions. At night, use reflective materials.
Pay Attention: Avoid distractions such as mobile phones while crossing the road.
Be Aware of Traffic: Look both ways before crossing and remain vigilant while crossing.

Derbyshire Road Safety Initiatives

Derbyshire County Council and its partners are committed to improving road safety through various initiatives, including:

Road Safety Training and Education: Coordinating programs to raise awareness of road safety issues.
Working with Children and Schools: Providing resources to schools to promote road safety education.
Improving Road Infrastructure: Implementing measures such as traffic lights, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, and improved road markings to enhance safety at junctions and other high-risk areas.
Community Speedwatch: A national initiative where community members work with the police to monitor and record speeding vehicles.
Operation Tutelage: A national policing initiative to reduce uninsured driving.
Operation Tramline: Highways England’s heavy goods vehicle (HGV) national road safety project.
Operation Close Pass: Designed to actively target motorists who ignore Highway Code rules on overtaking cyclists.
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership (DDRSP): A multi-agency partnership working to reduce road deaths and injuries through education, road improvements, and policing.
Young Driver Education: Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) leads on work with young drivers aged 17 to 25 through the Dying 2 Drive initiative.

The Role of Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has been involved in a road traffic accident, it is crucial to seek legal advice from experienced personal injury solicitors. A solicitor can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and pursue a claim for compensation if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

A Call to Action

The case of the ex-officer charged in the Derbyshire death crash serves as a catalyst for renewed efforts to prioritize pedestrian safety. By raising awareness, promoting responsible driving habits, and implementing effective safety measures, we can work together to prevent future tragedies and create safer roads for everyone.