Family of man who died in Dunton collision urge road users to drive carefully

The family of a motorcyclist who died in a road traffic collision last year have called for road users to consider how ‘one small lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences’.

On the morning of Thursday 11 May 2023, Lee Bozier-Lown, known as Boz, was riding his motorcycle in Cambridge Road, Dunton, when he was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van.

Despite best efforts of emergency services, the 46-year-old from Letchworth was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cameron Patterson, 24 of Laburnum Avenue, Mildenhall, Bury St. Edmunds, was sentenced today (Friday) having pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

Appearing at Luton Crown Court, Patterson received a 12-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months, as well as being disqualified from driving for 18 months.

Boz’s wife Lavinia, said: “Whilst this sentence doesn’t alleviate the pain of Boz’s death, I wish to stress that we, Boz’s friends and family, are satisfied with today’s verdict.

“Boz was passionate about safe riding and hopefully this tragedy will remind other road users to drive and ride carefully. Just one small lapse in concentration can have devastating consequences.

“It bought us great comfort today that the prosecution, defence and the judge herself all emphasised that Boz had been riding safely and could have done nothing to avoid the collision.

“It is everybody’s responsibility to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users.”

Patterson has also been ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work, 20 days of rehabilitation, pay a £1000 fine and wear an electronic tag for 18 weeks.

Detective Sergeant Craig Wheeler from the Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “This was a completely avoidable collision, caused by Patterson failing to use his mirrors and check his blind spot prior to committing to an overtake.

“His failure to do this has cost Mr Bozier-Lown his life.

“I would like to commend the family and friends of Mr Bozier-Lown – affectionally known as Boz by all who knew him, and together we wish to take this opportunity to remind road users to always ‘Think Bike’, and to take extra care in checking their blind spots to ensure tragic collisions such as this can be avoided.”

For further information about safe riding visit the Biker Down website or the Bike Safe website where you can find free courses available to all motorcycle riders across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.