Inquest into the death of Road Death 1 of 2024

40y · Male·Cranio-cervical distraction injury in the context of multiple other blunt force injuries sustained as a pedestrian struck by a motorcycle

A 40-year-old Aboriginal pedestrian with blood alcohol 0.14% and THC 15 µg/L was struck and killed by a 26-year-old unregistered dirt bike driver travelling at 116-124 km/h in a 70 km/h zone. The driver was unlicenced, uninsured, intoxicated (0.121% BAC, 7.3 µg/L THC), and riding an unroadworthy motorcycle lacking lights, mirrors, and speedometer. The victim sustained fatal cranio-cervical distraction injury with C1-C2 dislocation. This case highlights preventable road deaths from drunk driving, excessive speed, and vulnerable pedestrian exposure. Alcohol and cannabis impaired both parties' ability to detect and respond to danger. The driver received 4 years suspended sentence. Clinical lessons include recognition that intoxication significantly impairs judgment and response times in vulnerable road users.