Inquest into the death of Robyn Anthea Rodd (2013) H&FLR 2015-26

Coroners’ Court of Victoria

6 February 2012

Coram: Coroner Bryant

No appearances – finding without inquest.

Catchwords: Victoria – Coroner – cyclist – collision with truck – death – pilot vehicle

Facts: The deceased was aged 55 years and an experienced recreational cyclist.  On 26 May 2010 she was cycling on the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Mt Hotham.  While descending Mt Hotham the deceased was wearing a fluorescent green jacket and travelling at about 40 kph (25 mph).  As she approached a sharp left bend she saw a slow moving Kenworth prime mover and low loader driven by a Mr Skahill.  Rodd braked, causing her bike to fishtail.  She fell from the bike and into the path of the truck, sustaining fatal injuries.

It was accepted that the truck was on the correct side of the road at all times.

Held: 1. The truck driver did not contribute to the deceased’s death.

2. The roads authority (VicRoads) should consider requiring the use of pilot vehicles by oversize heavy vehicles on steep roads with multiple blind or hairpin bends where the heavy vehicle’s size means it takes up a substantial part of the lane or must cross the centreline to negotiate a bend.

Judgment

The Court’s judgment is available here.

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