A pensioner died of multiple injuries after being struck by a car while crossing a main road in darkness, a coroner has ruled.
Beris Cross, 79, of Hawthorn Close in Bridgwater, was hit by a Ford Fiesta as she walked across the A39 at Nether Stowey at around 6.50pm on March 16.
During an inquest at Taunton, Somerset coroner Tony Williams recorded a conclusion of accidental death, reports Somerset Live.
Mr Williams said: "I am satisfied that Beris Cross suffered multiple fatal injuries as a result of crossing the road in circumstances where she would have been extremely difficult to see."
On the night of her death, Mrs Cross had returned from a trip to Bristol with a group of friends by coach.
Against the advice of her companions, Mrs Cross tried to cross the road to reach her vehicle in a car park on the opposite side. Her friends had suggested walking with them next to the carriageway until the A39 narrowed and became safer.
But Mrs Cross decided to go ahead, resulting in her being struck by a Ford Fiesta being driven by Brian Arlotte.
It would have been extremely difficult for Mr Arlotte to see Mrs Cross, according to PC William Gibson, who pointed out that it had been dark, there was a low level of street lighting and Mr Arlotte had been forced to dim his lights for other motorists just seconds earlier.
The investigation found that Mr Arlotte was travelling at an estimated speed of 35mph when he hit Mrs Cross, well below the limit of 60mph.
Mr Gibson, who led the investigation, said: "Beris Cross alighted a coach on the A39 at Nether Stowey on the evening of Saturday, March 16.
"She then began to traverse the road to where her vehicle was parked when she was struck by a Ford Fiesta being driven by Brian Arlotte.
"Beris Cross suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
"I can conclude that Brian Arlotte would have had extreme difficulty seeing Beris Cross due to the lighting and the dark clothing that she was wearing.
"It remains unknown why Beris crossed the road where she did, against the advice of friends that she was with at the time."
A vehicle examination found that there were no defects with Mr Arlotte's car which would have contributed to the collision.
A post-mortem found that Mrs Cross had died of multiple traumatic injuries.
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