A man killed in a car crash on the Tasman Highway two years ago was travelling at 150km/h while drunk, a coroner’s report has revealed.
Todd Anthony Clark, 47, lost control of his silver Ford Focus after exiting a right sweeping bend at Orford on December 17, 2022.
The vehicle smashed through two fences and into the front yard of a house on the highway, leaving Clark with multiple serious injuries.
He was extracted from the car and airlifted to the Royal Hobart Hospital, where he passed away from a catastrophic traumatic brain injury three days later.
An autopsy revealed the presence of clonazepam, oxycodone and an antidepressant in his system, as well as 0.119 grams of alcohol per 100mL, more than twice the legal limit.
Coroner Robert Webster said Clark had been drinking beer and Jim Beam at the Tandara Hotel in Triabunna for over five hours before the crash.
He ruled out Clark’s epilepsy as a potential cause, noting that he had not experienced a seizure in around ten years.
The coroner suggested that Clark may have been in an “angry” state of mind due to a heated interaction with other patrons at the hotel prior to the crash.
“I find Mr Clark was angry with other patrons at the hotel which is exhibited by the manner in which he drove out of the car park,” Webster said.
“He then drove at very high speed under the influence of alcohol and prescribed medication and this has led to the crash which resulted in the injuries from which he passed away some three days later.”
While the car’s tyres had insufficient tread, the coroner found this did not contribute to the crash.
“I am satisfied this very tragic crash was principally caused by excessive speed,” he said.
“I convey my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr Clark.”
