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What is the Belgrave Middleway Crash?

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The crash was caused by a combination of factors, including the driver of the coach falling asleep at the wheel and the lorry driver failing to give way at a junction. The impact of the crash was so great that the coach was split in two.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was one of the worst road accidents in British history. It led to a number of changes in road safety legislation, including the introduction of compulsory seat belts for children and the lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers.

Belgrave Middleway Crash

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

  • Cause: Driver fatigue and failure to give way
  • Fatalities: 5 children and 1 adult
  • Injuries: 31
  • Date: 11 July 1979
  • Location: Belgrave Middleway, Birmingham
  • Type of vehicles: Coach and lorry
  • Impact: Coach split in two
  • Aftermath: Changes to road safety legislation

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was one of the worst road accidents in British history. It led to a number of changes in road safety legislation, including the introduction of compulsory seat belts for children and the lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers. The crash also highlighted the importance of driver fatigue and the need for better road safety education.

1. Cause

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was caused by a combination of driver fatigue and failure to give way. The driver of the coach had been driving for several hours without a break, and he fell asleep at the wheel. The driver of the lorry failed to give way at a junction, and the two vehicles collided head-on.

Driver fatigue is a major cause of road accidents. When drivers are tired, they are less able to concentrate and react to hazards. They are also more likely to make mistakes, such as failing to give way at junctions.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash is a tragic example of the consequences of driver fatigue and failure to give way. It is important to be aware of the dangers of driving tired and to take breaks when necessary. It is also important to be aware of the rules of the road and to give way to other vehicles when required.

By understanding the connection between driver fatigue and failure to give way, we can help to prevent future tragedies like the Belgrave Middleway Crash.

2. Fatalities

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The fatalities in the Belgrave Middleway Crash were a tragic loss of life. The children who died were all under the age of 16, and the adult who died was a teacher at the boys' club. The families of the victims were devastated by their loss.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash highlights the importance of road safety. It is important to be aware of the dangers of driving and to take steps to reduce the risk of accidents. Drivers should never drive when they are tired, and they should always obey the speed limit and other traffic laws. Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware of the dangers of the road and take steps to stay safe.

By understanding the connection between fatalities and road accidents, we can help to prevent future tragedies like the Belgrave Middleway Crash.

3. Injuries

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The injuries sustained by the victims of the Belgrave Middleway Crash were serious and life-changing. Many of the victims suffered from broken bones, head injuries, and internal injuries. Some of the victims were left with permanent disabilities.

The injuries sustained by the victims of the Belgrave Middleway Crash highlight the importance of road safety. It is important to be aware of the dangers of driving and to take steps to reduce the risk of accidents. Drivers should never drive when they are tired, and they should always obey the speed limit and other traffic laws. Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware of the dangers of the road and take steps to stay safe.

By understanding the connection between injuries and road accidents, we can help to prevent future tragedies like the Belgrave Middleway Crash.

4. Date

The Belgrave Middleway Crash occurred on 11 July 1979. This date is significant because it marks the day of the tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of five children and one adult, as well as injuries to 31 others.

The date of the crash is also important because it highlights the need for road safety. The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a preventable accident that was caused by a combination of driver fatigue and failure to give way. This tragedy serves as a reminder that we must all be aware of the dangers of driving and take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

By understanding the connection between the date of the Belgrave Middleway Crash and the importance of road safety, we can help to prevent future tragedies. We must all work together to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

5. Location

The Belgrave Middleway is a major road in Birmingham, England. It is a dual carriageway that runs from the city center to the M6 motorway. The road is named after the Belgrave area of Birmingham, which it passes through.

The Belgrave Middleway is a busy road, and it is the site of many accidents. The most serious of these accidents was the Belgrave Middleway Crash, which occurred on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a tragic event that highlighted the dangers of driving. The crash was caused by a combination of driver fatigue and failure to give way. This tragedy serves as a reminder that we must all be aware of the dangers of driving and take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

The location of the Belgrave Middleway Crash is significant because it highlights the need for road safety. The road is a busy one, and it is important to be aware of the dangers when driving on it. Drivers should never drive when they are tired, and they should always obey the speed limit and other traffic laws. Pedestrians and cyclists should also be aware of the dangers of the road and take steps to stay safe.

By understanding the connection between the location of the Belgrave Middleway Crash and the importance of road safety, we can help to prevent future tragedies. We must all work together to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

6. Type of vehicles

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry.

The type of vehicles involved in the crash was a significant factor in the severity of the accident. The coach was a large and heavy vehicle, while the lorry was even larger and heavier. The impact of the collision was therefore extremely powerful, and it caused the coach to split in two.

The fact that the crash involved a coach and a lorry highlights the dangers of driving large and heavy vehicles. Drivers of these vehicles need to be aware of the potential consequences of an accident and take steps to reduce the risk of one occurring. This includes obeying the speed limit, driving carefully, and being aware of other vehicles and pedestrians.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash is a tragic example of the devastating consequences that can occur when large and heavy vehicles are involved in an accident. It is important to remember this crash and to learn from it so that we can prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.

7. Impact

The impact of the Belgrave Middleway Crash was so great that the coach was split in two. This catastrophic damage was a major factor in the severity of the accident, and it highlights the extreme forces involved in a collision between two large and heavy vehicles.

  • Structural Integrity

    The coach was designed to withstand a certain amount of force, but the impact of the collision exceeded this limit. This caused the coach to split in two, resulting in the deaths of five children and one adult.

  • Passenger Safety

    The coach was carrying a party of 48 children and adults, and the impact of the collision caused severe injuries to many of the passengers. The fact that the coach split in two made it difficult for rescuers to reach the injured passengers, and it also increased the risk of further injuries.

  • Accident Investigation

    The fact that the coach split in two provided valuable evidence to the accident investigators. By examining the wreckage, the investigators were able to determine the speed and angle of impact, and they were also able to identify the point of impact. This information was essential for determining the cause of the accident and for preventing similar accidents from happening in the future.

  • Public Awareness

    The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a major news story, and it helped to raise public awareness of the dangers of road accidents. The fact that the coach split in two was a powerful reminder of the importance of road safety, and it helped to encourage drivers to be more careful.

The impact of the Belgrave Middleway Crash was a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences that can occur when large and heavy vehicles are involved in an accident. This accident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of the dangers of driving.

8. Aftermath

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of 48 children and adults from the Willenhall Wood Boys' Club and a lorry. Five children and an adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a major tragedy, and it led to a number of changes in road safety legislation. These changes were designed to improve road safety and to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.

  • Compulsory seat belts for children

    One of the most important changes to road safety legislation was the introduction of compulsory seat belts for children. Before this change, children were not required to wear seat belts in the back of cars. However, the Belgrave Middleway Crash showed that children are just as vulnerable to injury in a car accident as adults. As a result of this change, children are now required to wear seat belts in the back of cars, and this has helped to reduce the number of child deaths and injuries in road accidents.

  • Lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers

    Another important change to road safety legislation was the lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers. Before this change, the blood alcohol limit for drivers was 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. However, the Belgrave Middleway Crash showed that even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver's ability to drive safely. As a result of this change, the blood alcohol limit for drivers was lowered to 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. This has helped to reduce the number of drink-driving accidents and has made our roads safer.

  • Improved road safety education

    In addition to these changes to road safety legislation, there has also been a significant increase in road safety education. This education is designed to teach people about the dangers of road accidents and how to avoid them. Road safety education is now taught in schools and is also available to adults through a variety of organizations. This education has helped to raise awareness of road safety and has contributed to the reduction in the number of road accidents.

  • Safer roads and vehicles

    Finally, there have also been a number of changes to roads and vehicles that have made them safer. These changes include the introduction of safer road surfaces, better road signs and markings, and safer vehicles. These changes have also helped to reduce the number of road accidents and have made our roads safer.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a tragic event, but it also led to a number of important changes in road safety legislation. These changes have helped to make our roads safer and have saved lives.

Belgrave Middleway Crash FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the Belgrave Middleway Crash, a fatal road accident that occurred on the Belgrave Middleway in Birmingham, England, on 11 July 1979.

Question 1: What caused the Belgrave Middleway Crash?


The Belgrave Middleway Crash was caused by a combination of driver fatigue and failure to give way. The driver of the coach had been driving for several hours without a break, and he fell asleep at the wheel. The driver of the lorry failed to give way at a junction, and the two vehicles collided head-on.

Question 2: How many people were killed in the Belgrave Middleway Crash?


Five children and one adult were killed in the Belgrave Middleway Crash.

Question 3: How many people were injured in the Belgrave Middleway Crash?


Thirty-one people were injured in the Belgrave Middleway Crash.

Question 4: What changes to road safety legislation were made after the Belgrave Middleway Crash?


After the Belgrave Middleway Crash, a number of changes were made to road safety legislation, including the introduction of compulsory seat belts for children, the lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers, and increased road safety education.

Question 5: What impact did the Belgrave Middleway Crash have on road safety?


The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a major tragedy that led to a number of important changes in road safety legislation. These changes have helped to make our roads safer and have saved lives.

Summary: The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a tragic event that highlighted the importance of road safety. The crash led to a number of changes in road safety legislation, which have helped to make our roads safer and have saved lives.

Transition: The Belgrave Middleway Crash is a reminder that we must all be aware of the dangers of driving and take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

Belgrave Middleway Crash

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was a fatal road accident that occurred in Birmingham, England, in 1979. The crash involved a coach carrying a party of children and adults and a lorry. Five children and one adult were killed, and 31 other people were injured.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash was caused by a combination of driver fatigue and failure to give way. The crash led to a number of changes in road safety legislation, including the introduction of compulsory seat belts for children and the lowering of the blood alcohol limit for drivers.

The Belgrave Middleway Crash is a tragic reminder of the importance of road safety. We must all be aware of the dangers of driving and take steps to reduce the risk of accidents.

We must all work together to create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

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