The NSW Government and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatality, which took place at Cooranbong at the weekend.
About 12.15am on Sunday 14 April, emergency services were called to Freemans Drive following reports of a crash.
A Subaru Impreza was reportedly travelling northbound when it lost control and ran into the rear of a Hyundai Santa Fe – a fully-marked mobile speed camera vehicle – parked on the side of the road.
The passenger, an 18-year-old man, was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics.
However, he died at the scene.
The driver, also 18, was freed by emergency services and taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.
He also went mandatory testing.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said specialist officers from the Crash Investigation Unit were forensically examining the location.
“An enquiry takes place every time there is a fatality on the network,” the Maitland MP explained.
“It’s really sad, especially when someone so young loses their life.
“Our hearts go out to those people who’ve been impacted by it.
“I get a text every time one of those incidents occurs.
“So, when it happens, it’s a terrible situation for families.
“TfNSW is looking, aside from that incident, at the need for another 27 sites for mobile cameras across the network.
“That’s about finding the most optimum locations.
“All of them are tested, focusing on the risks to not only the operator but to other road-users.
“Unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong, like the situation at the weekend.
“And, of course, there’ll be a discussion about whether that’s an appropriate location and any learnings will be taken from it.
“Don’t forget, mobile speed camera vehicles are there to stop people speeding and save lives.
“Obviously, once the investigation is undertaken, and we find out what the cause of that accident was, we’ll make the necessary determination.
“Sometimes, people will go quite far off the road when they lose control of their vehicle.
“However, there’s still the need to ensure the safety of everyone on the network using these cameras.
“They are sign-posted now, which is something we lobbied for in opposition.
“But, at the end of the day, we have to rely on the [current] investigation and see what the outcome is.”
Ms Aitchison admitted every aspect would be taken into consideration moving forward.
“I’m not aware of many similar incidents… to the one at Cooranbong,” she said.
“However, everything will be looked at.
“I do know, for instance, where people are working on the network or doing upgrades to roads, we’ve had motorists crash into those work sites – and sometimes with fatal consequences, even though there are signs in place and marked at 40km/hour.
“So, the message to everyone is slow down.
“Take care on the road, be aware of your surroundings and always make sure that you drive to the conditions of the thoroughfare, while understanding your own experience and ability behind the wheel.”
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