A coroner has found that alcohol was a major contributor in a tragic road accident in Tasmania that claimed the lives of three young people.
The fatal accident occurred near Clifton Beach in Tasmania, around 25 kilometres from Hobart, on August 27, 2022. It involved a two car collision, between a Toyota Corolla and VW Golf. The three people who were killed were all in the Toyota vehicle. They all died instantly in the crash.
A recent Coroner’s case in Tasmania has found that alcohol and speed were key contributors to the accident. The Toyota was driven by a male driver, Brady Nunn. Subsequent alcohol testing following the crash found that he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.277, a staggering five times the legal limit.
While two cars were involved, the Coroner declared that it was the Toyota driver who was at fault.
“I am satisfied that this tragic crash was solely caused by Mr Nunn driving at excessive speed while intoxicated. He lost control of his vehicle while attempting to negotiate a right-hand bend,” the Coroner, Robert Webster, said.
“Mr Shadwick (the VW driver) who was driving wholly within his lane and who was travelling at a speed and in a manner appropriate for the circumstances had a very limited time to observe the impending collision and attempt to avoid it. Unfortunately, he was unable to do so.”
According to witnesses who saw the Toyota before the accident, the vehicle was travelling well over the 100km/h speed limit. This was backed up by police investigations of the accident scene, which estimated the vehicle was at least 26km/h over the limit when it lost control and hit the VW Golf.
Alcohol testing all at sea in Tasmania
While this Tasmania incident is unique, it’s a similar story to those we’ve heard before and unfortunately are likely to hear again. And it’s not just on the roads where these tragedies play out.
Earlier this year another Tasmania Coroner, Simon Cooper, found that alcohol and drugs contributed to the deaths of three friends in a boating accident in the state’s north-west.
The three set out in a 17-foot half-cabin cruiser in October 2021. Police were notified later the same day when the friends hadn’t returned and immediately commenced a search. Two days later two of the friends’ bodies were discovered. It wasn’t until several months later a femur of the third friend was discovered. The boat has never been found.
Investigations, including witness statements, highlighted the likelihood that alcohol and perhaps other drugs played a part in the tragedy. This was backed up by alcohol testing and drug testing of the two bodies that were found. One had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.110, while the other was 0.063. Methamphetamine was also detected in both bodies.
“There is no evidence that adverse weather conditions, the lack of a seaworthy boat or the actions of a third party caused or contributed to the deaths of Mr Dixon, Ms Thomas and Mr Courto,” said Coroner Cooper.
“Rather, no-one was wearing a PFD (personal flotation device) and all were affected by alcohol, methylamphetamine and fatigue.
“Having regard to the evidence as a whole, it is my firm opinion that Mr Dixon, Ms Thomas and Mr Courto should not have been on the water that day.”
Six lives lost in avoidable incidents. Alcohol, drugs, driving, boating and working are a lethal combination.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
While alcohol and drugs don’t mix on Tasmania’s roads and in workplaces, neither do they belong on the water. Credit Soma Kondo https://shorturl.at/hf9RB and Mike Seyfang https://shorturl.at/a2en6
