THE DEATH of a woman motorist in wet conditions on a rural road has prompted new safety measures, an inquest was told.

Muriel Taylor died from multiple injuries after her Renault Laguna was in collision with an oncoming Peugeot on the B6288, between Kirk Merrington and Spennymoor, County Durham.

An inquest, in Durham heard that the accident took place following heavy rainfall on the afternoon of July 19, as 50-year-old Mrs Taylor, of Merrington Close, Kirk Merrington, was driving to work at the Spennymoor branch of Woolworths.

Witnesses described how the Laguna, estimated to be travelling at between 40mph and 45mph, appeared to veer across the road while taking a left-hand bend at the brow of a hill at Vyner's Close.

The driver's side of her car took the full impact of the ensuing collision.

Several witnesses told the hearing that the road surface appeared very slippy, and police accident investigator PC David Beverley said a small band of water was flowing across the road shortly before the accident scene.

Engineer Steve Foster, of Durham County Council, said repairs have been carried out to the drainage, while warning signs have been erected advising motorists to reduce speeds to around 30mph in the vicinity of the site.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, North Durham Coroner Andrew Tweddle said he was pleased the council had taken on board the results of investigations and intends carrying out more work next year.