A YOUNG driver had no chance to avoid a collision with another car after it rolled into his path from a side street.

James Ashton had passed his driving test only two months prior to the accident in Bury on May 19.

The driver of the Rover Mr Ronald Ramwell died two days later as a result of his injuries.

An inquest heard on Friday (Oct 6) how Mr Ramwell's ill-health contributed to his death, making it difficult for hospital staff to successfully treat his injuries.

Accident witnesses told the inquest how Mr Ramwell's car was waiting to pull out of Benson Street into Heywood Street when the vehicle appeared to stall and roll into the path of Mr Ashton's Ford Fiesta. Mr Ashton of Crossfield Drive, Radcliffe, said: "I saw the Rover car at the junction but it looked as though it had stopped. I didn't feel the driver was going to come any further forward.

"It then moved forward and I tried to swerve to the left to avoid it. My car struck the Rover."

Mr Ramwell, who was a retired HGV driver, was knocked into the passenger footwell as a result of the collision.

He was taken to Bury General Hospital for treatment and was in good spirits. He told his daughter that "the Fiesta appeared to be right on top of him" when it struck.

Mr Ramwell, of Benson Street, Bury, also explained that he couldn't see clearly along the road due to parked cars blocking his view. He was forced to edge forward beyond the 'give way' markings.

The 69-year-old's condition deteriorated in hospital and he was transferred to an intensive care unit at North Manchester General Hospital where he died on May 21.

Coroner Mr Barrie Williams was told that no action was to be taken against Mr Ashton who had the right of way at the time of the crash.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Mr Williams said the tragedy offered a reminder to other motorists who emerge from side streets into main roads.

He said: "The onus is on the driver to take extreme care when joining the main road from side streets."