Finding into death of Karen Marie Ryan
Deceased
Karen Marie Ryan
Demographics
49y, female
Date of death
2016-10-25
Finding date
2018-01-12
Cause of death
Neck trauma (motor vehicle impact — driver)
AI-generated summary
Karen Marie Ryan, aged 49, died from neck trauma sustained in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Princes Way and Sand Road, Longwarry North, on 25 October 2016. She entered the intersection from Sand Road and was struck by a westbound truck. The collision was not attributable to mechanical failure, alcohol, or drugs. Ms Ryan's medical history included Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, and anaemia. Toxicology showed therapeutic levels of venlafaxine. The coroner identified intersection design factors as contributory: faded road markings, unclear driver intention signalling, and the layout making it possible Ms Ryan incorrectly assumed the truck would turn left. No clinical intervention could have prevented this accidental death. Road infrastructure improvements have been recommended.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- Faded or absent road markings at intersection
- Possible misassumption by driver regarding truck's intention to turn left
- Intersection design and visibility factors
- Speed limit on Princes Way (100 km/h)
Coroner's recommendations
- Recommend Baw Baw Shire Council examine traffic patterns at the intersection of Princes Way and Sand Road, Longwarry North, to determine the need for a reduction in speed limit and lengthening the westbound left hand turn lane on Princes Way
Full text
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