A MAN died from internal injuries after a head-on crash, an inquest heard.

Shane Scott, 21, from Clacton, was driving along Tenpenny Hill in Thorrington with a full car of passengers on June 20.

An inquest in Chelmsford yesterday heard Mr Scott was driving at 60mph in a 40mph limit and approached slow moving traffic.

He applied the brakes but lost control of the car and went into the Colchester-bound carriageway, crashing head-on with another car. He died from his injuries.

A post mortem examination showed he had traces of cocaine in his system but it was not certain whether he was feeling the effects at the time.

Alan Barlow, forensic collision investigator, said Mr Scott had been travelling towards Clacton.

He found no defects with either car but said Mr Scott, along with the other four passengers, were not wearing seatbelts.

He said: “Travelling in the opposing direction was a Vauxhall Insignia.

“There was a tractor in front of Shane’s car, shortly after entering the 40mph zone Shane applied full emergency braking. As the road turned to the left he carried straight on and crossed into the opposing lane.”

Both cars ended up in the Colchester-bound lane. The Vauxhall had rotated backwards and Mr Scott’s car ended up on a verge.

Mr Barlow added: “Mr Scott had inefficient space to reduce his speed, the collision could have been avoided if he was travelling at 40mph.”

Mr Scott’s parents were at the inquest along with other friends and family members.

Area Coroner Eleanor McGann told the family they should remember the happy memories of Shane. She said: “When I look at all the circumstances I find Mr Scott was travelling in excess of the speed limit and he was not wearing a seatbelt.

“I am sure it will bring comfort to you if there is one young person, because of Shane’s death, who will stay in the speed limit and wear a seatbelt. I do hope some lessons can be learned for other young people.”

The recorded cause of death was traumatic dissection of the thoracic aorta, as a result of a road traffic collision.