**Family of Crash Victim Urges Drivers to Heed Road Warnings After Fatal Powys Collision**
A devastating road collision on the A548 in Powys has prompted a heartfelt appeal for road safety from the family of Margaret Lee, who tragically lost her life in November 2023. This call comes in the wake of Dyfed-Powys Police releasing a video showing the precise moment of the fatal accident, highlighting the significant dangers of ignoring road warnings.
Margaret Lee, a resident of Middletown, Powys, had simply set out from home to collect her daily newspaper when her car was struck head-on. The other vehicle was driven by Matthew Parrott, who was attempting to overtake a bus in a clearly marked no-overtaking zone, despite double solid white lines and prominently posted warnings of a hidden dip. The subsequent collision resulted in Mrs Lee’s untimely death.
The crash, caught on camera, has been used by the police as a warning to other motorists. Dyfed-Powys Police, along with Mrs Lee’s grieving relatives, have made a joint plea, asking drivers to pay attention to the road signs and not to risk lives by carrying out dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. “It’s a tragedy,” commented Sergeant Rob Hamer from the force’s serious collision unit. “Just minutes before the collision, Mrs Lee had gone out for an everyday errand. There is no question that Parrott’s driving was dangerous, and sadly, this is not an isolated behaviour on this stretch of road.”
Since the incident, officers have observed similar risky behaviour by other motorists travelling towards Shrewsbury. The force fears another fatality could happen if drivers continue to disregard the established safety measures. Whether the current road layout itself is contributing to the risk is under active review by police and road safety authorities, but initial evidence points overwhelmingly to driver behaviour as the principal concern.
The section of road where the incident took place is already equipped with several safety measures. These include a 50mph speed limit, double solid white lines, signage warning of dips or hidden hazards, red warning paint, and grip enhancements on the surface. Despite these efforts, police say drivers continue to flout the rules, overtaking in unsafe conditions and putting themselves, as well as other road users, in grave danger.
Sergeant Hamer elaborated further, saying: “The warnings and speed restrictions are not there for decoration. Ignoring solid white line markings, hidden dip signs, and the clear dangers of overtaking on such a road is reckless. We’re pleading with drivers, before taking such risks, to fully assess if it is truly safe. A moment’s thoughtlessness can have irreversible consequences.”
The family of Margaret Lee has joined the police call for greater care on the roads, hoping that no other family will have to face a similar loss. “Please, drive carefully, especially on this particular road,” they stated in a written plea. “We would not wish for anyone else to go through the pain we are experiencing.”
The wider community in Powys and road safety advocates across Wales have reacted with sadness and concern following the police’s release of the crash footage. With authorities considering potential changes to the road’s layout, the core emphasis remains on personal responsibility and adherence to the law while driving.
Data shows that rural roads such as the A548 pose significant dangers when drivers underestimate hazards or disregard safety measures. The message from both the police and bereaved families is stark: the rules exist for everyone’s safety, not merely as guidance but as life-saving precautions.
In summary, the tragedy on the A548 serves as a sobering reminder of the profound consequences that can arise from a single act of dangerous driving. For the community affected by Mrs Lee’s loss, and for motorists everywhere, the urgent message remains: respect the warnings, observe the law, and value every life on the road.