A driver had no chance of avoiding a partially-sighted man who stepped into the road, an inquest was told.
Jordan Gartery, 21, was fatally injured just yards from his front gate after being hit by a car and the hearing determined he was the victim of a ‘tragic accident’.
The inquest heard that nothing could have been done by the driver to avoid hitting New Mill student Mr Gartery, who was also profoundly deaf, as he crossed Holmfirth Road without looking both ways last September 26 at 8.17pm.
Kirklees Coroner’s Court heard that the Kirklees College student, who was blind in his right eye, had only given motorist Karen Warrington around one second to react after he stepped out into the road to get into his dad’s car on the opposite side.
He suffered serious head injuries in the accident and died in hospital six days later after his condition deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia, which is a known complication.
Coroner Mary Burke said that Jordan died as a result of a road traffic accident after failing to notice a Suzuki Swift that appeared to his blind right side, despite being previously taught by his parents to look both ways before crossing roads.
She made the ruling after hearing evidence from nine people, including West Yorkshire Police collision investigator Keith Reyner.
He said that driver Mrs Warrington, who had been driving from New Mill towards Holmfirth, had most likely been driving at the speed limit of 30mph before Jordan hit her bonnet and windscreen.
This was after acknowledging that no independent witnesses were present and receiving potentially conflicting evidence from Jordan’s dad, Nigel and Mrs Warrington.
Mr Gartery said that he thought his son had been waiting on the pavement for several cars to pass, however Mrs Warrington maintained that he ‘just came running out’.
The court also heard that Jordan was diagnosed with Goldenhar Syndrome, a rare congenital defect which also causes certain abnormalities in the formation of the face and head, but had lived life to the full and tried not to let his problems get in the way of day to day life.
He planned to become a tour guide in London after he finished his travel and tourism course
His mum, Yvette Gartery, said that the accident, which occurred whilst she was in the back of her house, had led her to move.
She said: “I miss him so much and since the accident my life has totally changed.
“The inquest went as expected but it was a very sad occasion so we’re all very upset.”
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