CORONER Michael Johnston called for drivers with dangerous medical conditions to keep off the roads after a former Beaminster School headteacher was killed in a collision.

An inquest heard Frederick John Pugsley, 66, of Coneygarth Park, Bridport, was pronounced dead on arrival at Bridport hospital on January 29. He was suffering from diseased coronary arteries and a consultant pathologist said he may have had a seizure at the wheel.

Widower Mr Pugsley was headteacher of Beaminster School for 21 years until he retired in 1995. He was also chairman of Bridport Arts Centre, secretary of the international Bridport prize creative writing competition and a leading light in the town's amateur dramatics scene and Rotary Club.

Beaminster School's new science building was named after the biology teacher.

The inquest heard how he was driving on the westbound carriageway shortly before noon on the Bridport bypass, half a mile west of the Crown roundabout, when his Toyota veered into the offside lane, colliding with an overtaking Nissan.

The Nissan was driven by Geoffrey James Jones, 54, of Weymouth, who told the inquest he believed he had signalled before starting to overtake.

He recalled: "The other vehicle turned swiftly to its right. I instinctively also went right but the car continued and ended up at right angles to my car. There was no apparent attempt to correct the manoeuvre. When the Toyota came to a stop its wheels were still turning to the right."

The cars came to a halt in the feeder lane of a layby.

Driving instructor Stephen Hallbery, from Bridport, was driving behind the two cars and saw nothing wrong with the overtaking manoeuvre.

He said: "As the cars were level the Toyota swung violently across. The two cars stayed together and waltzed across the road."

Alan Ablott saw Mr Pugsley's car stop briefly at Broomhill Nursery shortly before the incident. He said the car rocked gently as if the driver was dipping and undipping the accelerator. A few moments after the car drove off Mr Ablott heard the collision.

Earlier in the day Mr Pugsley had been to a gym to exercise with a friend, who said the retired headmaster showed signs of unease.

Consultant pathologist Dr Khalid Jabher said Mr Pugsley had thickening of the coronary arteries and it was possible he suffered a coronary spasm which would involve acute chest pain and could cause momentary loss of control.

Coroner Michael Johnston recorded a verdict of accidental death and called for sick drivers to take care on the roads.

Mr Johnston said: "Anyone who is driving a vehicle who is not feeling well should not continue their journey - they should get some help. If Mr Pugsley had done that he might be alive today."