Student killed when he fell asleep at wheel and smashed into lorry after night out
A student died when he fell asleep at the wheel and his car ploughed into the back of a lorry on the M6 a night after being out drinking with friends, a coroner has heard.
Benjamin Elliman suffered fatal head injuries when his blue Ford Focus ran into the back of an Asda carrier on the southbound carriageway near the entry slip road at junction 10 on March 16.
The Keele University student, known as Ben, had 138 milligrammes of alcohol in his system. The legal limit for driving is 80 milligrammes.
A road traffic collision report said the car struck the rear offside of the Scania HGV shortly before 6.30am and came to rest wedged underneath the trailer.
Central Motorway Group investigator Pc Mark Weaver stated that the 19-year-old, from Swindon, had been at a party with a friend, who had warned him not to get behind the wheel as they had been drinking.
He said the vehicle was so badly damaged by the impact that it was not possible examine the steering and braking systems.
Footage from motorway cameras captured the Focus approaching the A454 bridges above junction 10 in lane two.
Using calculations based on CCTV timings the report stated the car was being driven at around 102mph. It had suddenly veered to the left hitting the lorry that was in lane one.
The cause of death was given as head injuries and a road traffic collision.
At the hearing held yesterday at Smethwick Council House, the Black Country Senior Coroner Robin Balmain said: "Clearly, he had fallen asleep because he drove into the back of a lorry."
"There is no way to express how devastating this is for the family. Unfortunately cars and alcohol and tiredness do not go together."
He recorded a conclusion that Mr Elliman died as a result of a road traffic collision.
Mr Elliman's parents, who were at the inquest, declined to comment on the outcome. In a statement after the tragedy his family said: "Ben was a dearly loved son and brother who will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was a caring, thoughtful person and we ask you to respect our privacy at this difficult time."
He had been studying criminology at Keele University, in Staffordshire.
In tribute Professor Bill Dixon, of the university, stated: "During his time with us Ben showed that he was capable of first class work. He was a very promising student and he will be greatly missed by all of us in criminology, staff and students."
