Finding into death of Mr V
Deceased
Mr V
Demographics
29y, male
Date of death
2021-04-03
Finding date
2022-05-30
Cause of death
Neck injury
AI-generated summary
A 29-year-old man died from a neck injury sustained in a motor vehicle collision on Rifle Butts Road, Victoria. Travelling at 104-116 km/hr (exceeding the 100 km/hr limit), his vehicle encountered an unmarked dip in the road, became airborne for approximately 26 metres, lost control, and rolled. Contributing factors included the driver's unfamiliarity with the area, the road's poor condition, inadequate hazard signage, and excessive speed. The coroner recommended installing warning signage, eliminating the dip through repairs, and reducing the speed limit. No mechanical faults were identified in the vehicle, and toxicology was negative. This case highlights the importance of road hazard identification and management, particularly on regional roads with changing conditions.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Clinical conditions
Contributing factors
- Unfamiliarity with the area
- Poor condition of Rifle Butts Road
- Excessive speed (104-116 km/hr in 100 km/hr zone)
- Unmarked dip in the road
- Lack of hazard warning signage
- Vehicle suspension bottoming out on road surface
Coroner's recommendations
- Hazard/warning signage should be installed at the relevant section of Rifle Butts Road, Whoorel pending elimination of the dip
- Colac Otway Shire investigate the cause of the dip in the road and make repairs to eliminate the dip
- Permanent hazard/warning signage should be installed at the relevant section of road should the dip become a recurring issue following repairs
- The speed limit for the relevant section of road, including the lead-up to the crest, should be reduced
Full text
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