ONE of the first witnesses on the scene of a fatal road accident on the A377 near Crediton has launched a petition to have the 40 mph zone extended to include the area in which the crash occurred.

Daniel Adametz (23), was travelling from Exeter to work at Crediton Dairy, when his motorbike was involved in a collision with a car travelling in the opposite direction. Daniel was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene following the collision and his next of kin were informed.

The collision happened at about 5.47pm near Hookway Cross, between Downes Corner, Crediton and Newton St Cyres straight on Thursday, May 7.

After the crash Devon and Cornwall Police issued an appeal for information about two cars.

The police collision investigation team also appealed for the following information:

• Anyone who has any dash cam footage of the incident.

• Anyone who has information regarding a Blue Ford Mondeo travelling from Lords Meadow Industrial Estate at the time of the incident.

• Anyone who has information regarding a Red Peugeot 306 that was in close proximity to the Mondeo at this time.

The road was closed in both directions for much of the evening and into the early hours of May 8, whilst a forensic examination of the scene was conducted.

Information is also sought regarding Daniel’s Suzuki GSXR Motorcycle prior to the collision.

If you have any information regarding the above, please contact the police quoting log 693 of 07/04/20.

Please contact the police using the 101 number or via email: [email protected] .

A cross, flowers, candles and a photograph of Daniel have been placed at the scene of the accident by Daniel’s family and friends.

The cross bears Daniel’s name and date of birth 20.5.97 and the date he died, 07.5.2020.

PETITION

Local biker Asa Jupp was one of the first on the scene of the collision and is now appealing for support to have a 40 mph zone extended to cover the accident location.

He explained: “On May 7, I arrived roughly a minute later after a fatal collision had just taken place between a car and a bike; sights were not pleasant seeing distressed family members and the look on Police’s face. I was at the scene for two hours and 40 minutes.

“The collision took place just after Hookway Cross (Downes Mill) heading towards Exeter, just after the crest.

“It occurred just yards after the area the zone goes from a 40mph to 60mph (just after Ladd’s Guns).

“We know in the recent years, close to this, there have been a number of collisions on this road.

“I took the time to do some research.

“From Ladd’s Guns to Quicke’s Farm there has been 12 recorded crashes since 2016, one being fatal all in the shocking distance of just 1.4 miles.

“On this stretch of road of 1.4 miles there are:

• three bus stops, two with narrow pavements,

• In school terms, children wait on the side of the road waiting to be collected by school buses.

• Many houses where children can step out.

• A postbox on the grass.

• Road junctions.

“The roads and cars are simply getting faster and faster and in the below area I am calling without prejudice for the national speed limit that applies climbing the hill out of Crediton on Codshead Bridge EX17 3PW is removed and replaced on the junction of Five Elms Lane EX5 5AY and the 30mph zone then still applies approaching Newton St Cyres.

“This can also stop the issue that people face approaching Netwon St Cyres when you are forced to halt from 60 mph to 30mph. This, again can be dangerous.

“We’re not invincible, what I witnessed was distressing but I ride a bike daily so I cannot let this overtake my emotions or I will never ride again.”

On Asa’s petition site on change.org, the following comments from supporters include:

From Emma Iles: “I know this stretch of road very well and as it is sandwiched between two speed restricted areas that were previously higher speed zones drivers feel the need to put their foot down to make up time. As they know that the road becomes restricted again shortly along the way they are under the false impression that there is no or very minimal hazards for them to be concerned about. It has been a dangerous section of this road for years. Please don’t let this young man’s death be in vain.”

Sally Davis: “This road is dangerous at the current speed limit. There have already been several fatal accidents in the last few years. One accident is one too many and things have to change.”

Heidi Howarth: “It is a very dangerous stretch of road.”

Meghan Whittaker: “I have lived on this road the majority of my life and cannot begin to express how dangerous it is. I spent my childhood days waiting for a school bus just a few feet away from vehicles travelling at 60mph. Every single day my family cross this road completely blind due to not being able to see either way (I should stress that the farming going on nearby often means it’s also incredibly difficult to hear traffic on some days, can you imagine crossing a 60mph road with no sight of incoming cars and limited hearing?!). There have been many a crash on this road over the years and unfortunately some have lost their lives. It’s about time something was done, reduce the speed and save lives.”