Sun may have hampered death-crash driver’s view

The crossing at the centre of the tragedy

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A driver who killed a pensioner and left her husband severely injured may have been dazzled by the sun.

Lynn Steele was hit at a zebra crossing on Crompton Way, Shaw in January 2012 while walking hand-in-hand with her husband Raymond, and died of head injuries.

The car’s driver has since died of a terminal illness.

Witness Jacqueline Helliwell of Shaw drove up to the crossing as the accident happened. Like a previous witness, she complained of poor visibility due to the strong, low sunlight.

She said: “The sunlight was very bright. I could see a blue car stopped with its windscreen smashed. I saw the driver with her head in her hands and two people lying on the ground.”

Mrs Steele’s daughter Sarah said her mother lived an active life and enjoyed long walks with her husband from their home in Belgravia Muse in Shaw.

The inquest was due to conclude today.