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Jesse and Samantha Shortland, both 28, and Marina Liebl, 22, were killed in the crash at SH6, on the Dipton-Winton Expressway, in the Benmore area, on October 8, 2017.
Shortland’s young children, Skylar and Heath, survived the accident.
Liebl was traveling on SH6 when he collided with a southbound car driven by Jesse Shortland around 9.40pm
Coroner Robinson’s report said both drivers traveled long distances “not suitable for doing it in a single day.”
Beyond that, he highlighted the fact that while Ms. Liebl had filled out a “Safe Driving” form when she rented her vehicle, it would be the first time she had driven on the left side of the road.
The form acknowledged her familiarity with New Zealand traffic regulations, that she had driven regularly in her home country, that she felt well prepared to drive in New Zealand, and that she had driven a similar vehicle in the past.
The coroner said that while it was not likely that he was traveling on the wrong side of the road for an extended time, his vehicle crossed the center line.
It was discovered that if Ms. Liebl had stayed in her lane, death could have been prevented.
However, factors such as speeding, cannabis and fatigue contributed.
Vehicle data showed Liebl’s vehicle was traveling at 134 km / h five seconds before impact, before last-second braking reduced speed to 73 km / h.
The Shortlands vehicle was estimated to be traveling at 119 km / h.
While there was no alcohol involved, Mr. Shortland’s blood tested positive for cannabis.
“Although I cannot determine the degree of impairment (if any), the absence of a braking response or other evasive maneuver is consistent with the known effects of cannabis, which include delayed response and distorted perception.”
Given the circumstances of Ms Liebl’s involvement in the accident, Coroner Robinson reviewed accident data and research publications related to the involvement of foreign drivers in fatal and injury accidents in New Zealand.
“Ultimately, I cannot draw any conclusions as to whether foreign drivers are overrepresented in accident statistics to allow me to consider making recommendations.”
However, Mr. Robinson described the “Safe Drive” self-assessment form as “totally inadequate” as there was no effective assessment of the person’s ability to drive in New Zealand, nor of their knowledge of traffic rules. .
“While I cannot make a sufficient link between the ‘Safe Drive’ form process, foreign drivers’ apparent lack of knowledge of New Zealand traffic rules, and the circumstances of this accident to make formal recommendations or comments, certainly I would recommend renting that car companies reflect on the research cited and my previous comments and consider introducing some qualitative assessment into the process to determine whether they should rent a vehicle to a foreign driver. “
