CORONERS are in a special position to highlight areas of potential danger in the lives of people in the areas they serve.

Their role, one unique to England and Wales, gives them an insight into risks, life threatening practices and places where too many fatal accidents are happening.

And if they are doing their job properly the authority that goes with the ancient position means they can exert pressure to force through changes which will make a real difference.

Blackburn Coroner Carolyn Singleton is doing a public service in announcing that she will write to Lancashire County Council suggesting that safety measures should be implemented on Preston New Road at Samlesbury - a major East Lancashire trunk route.

She spoke during an inquest into a fatal crash of her "considerable anxiety" about speed on the road which has been referred to as "hell's highway" because of the number of accidents that have taken place.

"The authority should be looking into how this can be prevented," she said.

By speaking out like this Mrs Singleton will hopefully prompt official action and show that coroners can save lives as well as investigate deaths.