Barrie, Albert Edward
Deceased
Albert Edward Barrie
Demographics
81y, male
Date of death
2009-07-09
Finding date
2011-05-10
Cause of death
Multiple injuries sustained in motor vehicle collision, specifically transection of thoracic aorta at site of pre-existing aneurysmal dilation
AI-generated summary
Albert Edward Barrie, aged 81, was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing Lion Creek Road outside Brothers' Leagues Club in Rockhampton on 9 July 2009. The driver, travelling at approximately 50 km/h, did not see Mr Barrie until he was approximately one car length away due to poor lighting caused by tree canopy interference with street lights. The driver braked and attempted evasive action but struck Mr Barrie with the passenger side of the vehicle. Mr Barrie died from multiple injuries including transection of the thoracic aorta at a site of pre-existing aneurysmal dilation. The coroner identified inadequate pedestrian crossing facilities and poor road lighting as contributing factors. No speed or driver impairment was involved. The case highlights the importance of adequate lighting and safe crossing infrastructure in high-risk areas, particularly for elderly pedestrians.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Poor street lighting interrupted by tree canopy
- Lack of safe pedestrian crossing facilities
- Inadequate crossing infrastructure for elderly people
- Darkness and irregular lighting pattern on roadway
Coroner's recommendations
- That a safe pedestrian crossing facility, perhaps with an island and crossing lights and appropriate for use by elderly and infirm people, be constructed close to the Brothers' Leagues Club in Lions' Creek Road Wandal. Barriers should restrict access to the road from other areas of the footpath in the vicinity of the Club.
- That additional street lighting be installed in the area of the Club including the carpark on the High School side of Lion Creek Road and that the tree canopy or lighting or both be modified to ensure a constant source of light to the roadway for pedestrians and motorists.
- That consideration be given by Department of Transport to reducing the speed limit for Lion Creek Road to 50km per hour in the area of the Club.
- That forensic crash investigation reports be prepared and considered by Queensland Police Service in a timeframe which allows traffic charges to be laid within the legislative time limits.
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