From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Accident report concerning Experimental Car No. 27-EX.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 181\M10\ img137 | |
| Date | 6th August 1931 | |
| 27EX Y4199 To Hs.{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair} from RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer} RHC.{R. H. Coverley - Production Engineer}2/MS6.8.31. Whilst driving Experimental Car No. 27-EX, Registration No. CH.9656 Wednesday August 6th, en-route to Messrs. Vickers, Sheffield, in connection with the programme for delivery of additional "R" engine crankshaft forgings, I was involved in an accident. When driving up the rise approaching Darley Dale, at approx. 2.30. p.m. I observed a car coming in the opposite direction, the driver of which signalled his intention to turn down Station Road by the Darley Dale Institute, I therefore slowed down. The driver withdrew his arm and continued on a straight course which indicated that he had changed his mind and was giving me the right of way. I therefore continued to go straight ahead, whereupon the driver of the approaching car suddenly signalled and simultaneously turned into my path, causing me to apply my brakes suddenly. Owing to the recent heavy rain making the particular part of the road exceptionally greasy, and the fact that the rear tyres were very smooth, caused the car immediately the brakes were applied, to skid, swing at the rear, and collide with the approaching car. It was impossible for me to swerve to the left in order to avoid the other car, owing to an island in the middle of the road leading to the station (see plan). After the accident it was impossible to discern either wheel marks or skid tracks owing to surface water lying on the road. In addition to the greasy state of the road it was observed the rear tyres had also skidded on some foliage which had been dislodged from overhanging trees. This had greatly accentuated the tendency to skid. The speed of my car was approx. 30-35 M.P.H. and under normal road conditions would have pulled up straight. The speed of the approaching car was moderate, but had the driver continued his course as first indicated, the accident would not have occurred. In any case, I consider the exceptional road conditions added considerably to the cause of the accident. continued. | ||