Crossing in for scrutiny
A PEDESTRIAN crossing in Atherton’s main street where an elderly woman was struck and killed is to become the focus of a safety probe by police and Main Roads investigating the fatality.
Yungaburra woman Carole Driscoll, 83, was walking on the crossing at the corner of Vernon Main streets on February 18 when she was struck by a utility. She was flown to Townsville Hospital for treatment, but died six days later.
Concerns have since been raised about the position of the crossing by both Hill MP Shane Knuth and Tablelands police Insp Russell Rhodes.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesman has confirmed the crossing is set to come under scrutiny.
“The investigation is looking at many factors including road design, sight distance, road geometry and speed environment,” he said.
“We are unable to comment on the cause of the crash or propose any changes before the outcomes of these investigations are available.
“We will give serious consideration to any suitable treatments recommended in the investigation reports.
“Our thoughts are with the family, friends and local community.”
TMR is working with police’s Forensic Crash Unit in the investigation.
Police have previously called for witnesses who saw the crash or had dashcam footage to come forward.
Ms Driscoll, an English emigrant, had travelled to Atherton to shop on the morning of the crash – picking up the paper, doing the grocery shopping and visiting the bank.
At the time Mr Knuth said his office had received numerous complaints about the crossing.
“We have had a number of complaints and we have now taken it to the (TMR) directorgeneral for action.
“I am completely devastated and very, very sad for the whole community as we have raised this issue with Main Roads in the past and we feel monitoring it is not good enough.”
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