iPod blamed for Acton woman's death

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Law student Patricia McMillan killed in collision with lorry

Following the death of Patricia McMillan, the 32 year old who was killed at the junction of Acton High Street and Steyne Road, Police have issued a warning that cyclists should not use their iPods whilst riding.

The Australian law student who lived in the Acton area died following a collision with her bicycle and a B&Q articulated lorry Thursday 2nd February.  The fact that she was listening to her iPod at the time of the accident lead to Police outlining the dangers stating that "People have been brought up their whole life relying on a whole range of human senses and if one's removed they are at a significant disadvantage."

Friends of Patricia McMillan have said she may have been killed because she couldn't hear traffic noise over her iPod and believe that she may still be alive if she hadn't been listening to her iPod.

Any witnesses to the accident are asked to contact Sgt Harry Wilkinson from the North West London Collision Investigation Unit on 020-8998 5319.

February 15, 2006