Calls for law change following death of Highland nursery teacher
Chloe Morrison died in 2019 when she was struck by a lorry beside the A82
Last updated 24th Jan 2025
A sheriff is calling for a change in the law after a Highland nursery teacher was killed by a lorry.
Chloe Morrison, from Drumnadrochit, died in October 2019 when she was struck from behind by extended stabiliser leg while walking on a pavement near the village.
The 26-year-old sustained multiple injuries to her head, chest, abdomen and pelvis.
During the Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI), it was found that lorry driver John O'Donnell had not been instructed by Glenevin Limited to operate the lorry loader and using them wasn't part of his job
He failed to see nearside outrigger leg was fully extended, locked in position and was protruding outwards over the pavement, beside the A82.
In October 2022, O'Donnell was sentenced to a Community Payback Order, he was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.
He was also disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for a year.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank has now recommended introducing a law that LGVs and HGVs fitted with outriggers must be fitted with an audible and visible warning system and/or an immobiliser.
He feels this should apply to all LGVs and HGVs fitted with outriggers regardless of their year of manufacture or year of installation.
The Sheriff also called for operators of LGVs and HGVs, fitted with outriggers, to take steps to ensure any driver operating such a vehicle is trained, to ensure outriggers are safely stowed prior to starting any journey and that drivers make and record these checks.
He said these recommendations "might realistically prevent other deaths in similar circumstances."
The FAI's final report outlined how Chloe is hugely missed by her family and they continue to feel great sadness following her death.
Procurator Fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), said: "The tragic death of Chloe Morrison occurred in circumstances giving rise to significant public concern and as such a discretionary Fatal Accident Inquiry was instructed.
“Chloe’s death was a devastating loss for her family and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”