Factors combine in death of driver

Coroner describes loss of life as tragic

THE death of an Oatlands man in a single-vehicle crash on York Plains Rd in 2013 was a “tragic loss of life”, Coroner Olivia McTaggart says.

Ms McTaggart said Joshua Bernard Clarke, 27, died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash on September 15, 2013.

She said Mr Clarke, who had spent the day at the Oatlands District Football Association grand final — and who had consumed alcohol during the day and that night — was driving with a blood-alcohol level almost five times the legal limit.

She said that also contributing to his death was the fact Mr Clarke was not wearing a seatbelt and was in an emotional state following an argument with his girlfriend.

Ms McTaggart also found a number of modifications Mr Clarke made to his vehicle contributed to his death as they, in combination, rendered his vehicle unroadworthy.

“The death of Mr Clarke at such a young age, and in circumstances that were preventable, represents a tragic loss of life. In particular, Mr Clarke’s death emphasises the high risk of loss of vehicle control when the driver is intoxicated, and the increased risk of injury and death when a seatbelt is not worn,” Ms McTaggart said.

She said Mr Clarke was found by another motorist the following morning.

Mr Clarke’s vehicle was found after a “significant righthand bend” near a section of roadway soon after York Plains Rd changed from bitumen to gravel.

“I find that he lost control of his vehicle on the gravel road while at a relatively low speed. Not wearing a seatbelt, it appears that he was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled,” Ms McTaggart said.

She said it was not known where Mr Clarke was travelling to at the time of the crash, or whether he had a destination in mind at the time.

Mr Clarke was a motor mechanic and was described by many witnesses as “extremely talented”, Ms McTaggart said.

“I convey my sincere condolences to Mr Clarke’s family and loved ones,” she said.