An elderly man from Launceston who lost his life in a crash with a refrigerated truck while on the way to a tax appointment last year was observed ‘driving erratically’ in the minutes leading up to the incident.
According to a new coroner’s report, the 80-year-old was seen “speeding up, slowing down and changing lanes close to other cars” in the lead up to the crash on the East Tamar Highway in July 2022.
Corner Olivia McTaggart said the man was driving his silver Mercedes-Benz along the 80km/h highway in the northbound right-turning lane, heading towards the exit to University Way when he “turned suddenly” in front of a truck.
She noted that the truck driver had noticed the elderly man and believed he was “driving too fast”, leading him to apply the brakes, but he was ultimately “unable to avoid a collision”.
The force of the impact caused the car to “wrap around the front of the truck” before being pushed 37.3 metres south and coming to a stop.
Despite receiving first aid, the elderly driver passed away at the scene.
Corner Olivia McTaggart said the crash was “caused entirely” by the man “failing to give way to the truck when he was required to do so”.
“I cannot determine upon the evidence whether he failed to see the oncoming truck, misjudged the distance or was in a hurry because he was late for his appointment.”
“I am satisfied that the weather conditions, road conditions, alcohol and drugs were not factors in this crash.”
She recommended that the Department of State Growth prioritise safety improvements at the East Tamar Highway/University Way intersection, given multiple previous accidents.
State Growth say the project is a top priority to come as part of the East Tamar Highway Corridor Strategy.
