Half a Car

Submitted: Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 10:40

ThreadID: 65015 Views:3323 Replies:9 FollowUps:41

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Member - Doug T (NT)

Wonder why they don't slow down ..................

A long-time Tennant Creek resident, was trapped in his car for several pain-staking hours as emergency crews used the jaws of life to cut him free.
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He was driving from Alice Springs when his Holden Commodore sedan hit water over the road and aqua-planed out of control, completing two 360 degree spins before slamming into a tree, 10m off the road.
The accident, where alcohol and speed were not a factor, happened on the Stuart Highway, 40km south of Tennant Creek at 5pm on Wednesday.
Recovering in Alice Springs Hospital with a bruised spleen and a cracked rib, the former alderman told the Northern Territory News yesterday that he was "lucky to be alive".
"I'm feeling a bit sore and sorry but at the end of the day I was very lucky," he said.
"I just hit the water and I felt the car going but there was nothing I could do.
"It all happened so quickly. I lost control and spun around and then hit the tree.
"The tree impacted with the passenger side and ended up just 15cm from me - that's how close I was to losing my life."

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Reply By: Member - Ian H (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 10:57

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 10:57

I would suggest speed was a factor, maybe not hugely excessive speed but too much. Would he have slid if he was doing 40 kph less? Probably not!

AnswerID: 343688

Follow Up By: Member - Mark G (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:04

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:04

IAN H

agreed mate..............slow speed wouldnt have caused that much damage.

FollowupID: 611500

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:15

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:15

The speed limit in that area is 130 km/h if I'm not mistaken.

If he'd actually hit a tree at 130 the car would be in a far worse state and he would be dead.

Hence, I suggest that he was travelling well below the speed limit and the mitigating factor is a poorly deisgned road that allows water to pool.

Anyway, that's my take on it FWIW.

Cheers,

Jim.

FollowupID: 611502

Follow Up By: Member - Mark G (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:38

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:38

JIM

cars just dont bend like that from doing low speeds on impact with some thing solid. "well below the speed limit" could mean 20k's under but was obviously TOO fast for the conditions i agree.

Doug T also pointed out that this guy i a local,so he should have know the local road conditions if the road design allowed the water to pool?

FollowupID: 611506

Follow Up By: Off-track - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:13

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:13

Jumping to conclusion I think. Could have easily been doing over 130 with speed bled off before contact with the tree.

FollowupID: 611612

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:01

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:01

You chaps are obviously far more qualified than the Accident Investigation Unit and can make amazing judgements by looking at a photo.

Of course I would never question your eminent opinions on Rocket Science, Brain Surgery and curing Cancer.

I might even seek your advice on Business Management. I'd love to go broke.

FollowupID: 611635

Follow Up By: Off-track - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 00:32

Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 00:32

Just like your judgement...

FollowupID: 611652

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 08:40

Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 08:40

So Jumbo is now a Road Design expert for the N.T. ??

FollowupID: 611668

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009 at 19:13

Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009 at 19:13

Ankle,

About up to your usual standard, room temperature IQ reply.

FollowupID: 612037

Follow Up By: Axel [ the real one ] - Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:42

Wednesday, Jan 14, 2009 at 07:42

More like your typical reply Jumbo , looks at a photo and then is an instant expert on road construction and design , allways more and more expertise from you to get your logo out eh ,

FollowupID: 612115

Reply By: Member - Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:41

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:43

Reply By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:25

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:25

Doug said
"Wonder why they don't slow down .................. "

The report the says:
"The accident, where alcohol and speed were not a factor"

Errr... speed WAS a factor.. hence the damage. Whether EXCESSIVE speed was a factor or not might be more of an argument.
He should have been driving more suited to the conditions. IMO, Doug is on the money!

Just my opinion

Brian

AnswerID: 343706

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:11

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:11

Your right,
If he slowed down there would be less damage...
If he went even slower than that, there would be even less...
If he went even slower than that again, there would be even less again.....
And so on....And so on....And so on.........

It may take him a week to get home spending more time on the road , increasing his chances of getting run over by a road train. Multiple accidents might be the result of some peanut idling along the highway at 20 Kph, but hey...Your right...there would have been less damage....
LOL

FollowupID: 611561

Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:38

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:38

No.... I didn't say I was right.....
I simply said my opinion.
I am entitled to have one...... just like you're entitled to yours.

Cheers

Brian

FollowupID: 611569

Follow Up By: Best Off Road - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 20:49

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 20:49

It's just that your opinion conflicts with Accident Investigation Unit.

They came to a conclusion based on scientific assessment of the available evidence at the crash scene.

You came to a conclusion based on looking at a photo.

You're entitled to an opinion, this is after all a democratic society. However your opinion is without merit.

Cheers,

Jim.

FollowupID: 611588

Follow Up By: Member Brian (Gold Coast) - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 06:30

Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 06:30

"You're entitled to an opinion, this is after all a democratic society. However your opinion is without merit."

So your "take" on it is OK, but mine has no merit.

Luckily, I couldn't care less what you think of anything I post. And your "take" on it has less than no merit with me.

I didn't join this thread to get personally attacked by those who know everything about everything, ..... and with that in mind, I'll ignore the rest of this thread totally.

Brian

FollowupID: 611658

Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:41

Reply By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:27

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:27

Wake up people, the authorities up in the N T are not like rest of the country, they stick up for many of the stupid drivers, It happens over & over again. It is a fact!!!!!!!!

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AnswerID: 343720

Follow Up By: Kroozer - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 15:19

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 15:19

I agree, although I think you will find that the NT has less deaths a year and have stricter vehicle requirements then us in WA. Drive from Kununurra to Darwin and you tell me which side of the border has the better roads. NT wins hands down, but there alot of idiot drivers there definitely. I recently drove to Darwin in a brand new VE SS Commodore, and yes i sat on 130k's but only cause it was safe to do so, (no i wouldnt try it in a 4wd thats for sure) these new cars handle better then a race car honestly, with more power then a Mack truck it made the drive a walk in the park. But it was funny to see Hilux's and other dual cab 4wds trying to keep up with me and actually overtaking me. The amount of lean on these vehicles around corners was terrible.
But the worse part was the amount of government cars that were overtaking me, and i was sitting on 130km/h. I even had a Kenworth, unladen with only one trailer up my butt for around 20km's while i was doing 120 behind a school bus. I couldnt believe it that for one; a truck was going so fast and being so reckless and two; that s chool bus was doing 120km/h with kids on board.

If he was a local he should of known better. Drive to the conditions is spot on, just because the limit is 130km/h doesnt mean you have to do that.

FollowupID: 611521

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:19

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:19

It a fact!!!!!
I think I have found the chairman for the EOAIU?
Would you consider it?
Or possibly over qualified.

LOL

FollowupID: 611566

Follow Up By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:20

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:20

Hairy
I am not talking about Alice, I am talking about Darwin City, where the MAXIMUM speed Is 60 or 70 kph and yet some stupid idiots drivers manages to crash ,wipe out cars, and 4wd with loss of life and most of the time is not they fault

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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:29

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:29

nomadoz,
Whos fault?
Are you saying the NT government is supporting people who wipe out cars and kill people????
I dont understand what your saying......

FollowupID: 611618

Follow Up By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:50

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:50

HAIRY I am not saying the Gov is at fault at all, we have very good roads, we have seen plenty cars broken in two after hitting trees, power poles, in 60 zone, and at times is some sort of excuse

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Follow Up By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:58

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 22:58

Sorry Hairy
this is from your post>>> and Terriory roads played a large part in the cause <<.. in my book that is crappppppp

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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:22

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:22

Maaaaaate......

One step at a time.
You said ,quote "Wake up people, the authorities up in the N T are not like rest of the country, they stick up for many of the stupid drivers, It happens over & over again. It is a fact!!!!!!!!"

What do you mean...other than...they stick up for many of the stupid drivers, It happens over & over again. It is a fact!!!!!!!!"
You've lost me.

and
You say.....this is from your post>>> and Terriory roads played a large part in the cause <<.. in my book that is crappppppp
What are you talking about now? My accident or the car that hit the tree?

FollowupID: 611639

Follow Up By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:43

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:43

Hairy
And Territory roads played a large part in the cause<<<<< this phrase comes out too often, have to assume is from the media manager of the authority

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Follow Up By: nomadoz - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:58

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 23:58

If I am the driver of a vehicle and have a crash of any sort, including a blow out, and no other vehicle involved, than it is entire my fault no excuses!!

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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 10:51

Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 10:51

I still dont understand how the "authorities up in the N T are not like rest of the country, they stick up for many of the stupid drivers"
That quote makes no sense to me and have no idea what you base that on.

And you said I posted "and Terriory roads played a large part in the cause" and I didnt say that in regards to this accident at all...quite the opposite.....Im saying its just an accident.

"If I am the driver of a vehicle and have a crash of any sort, including a blow out, and no other vehicle involved, than it is entire my fault no excuses!!"
Just like this accident.....no one else was involved?????????
Naaaa lost me......

FollowupID: 611697

Reply By: Stu-k - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:52

Reply By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:16

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:16

Hahahahaha.......
A good mate of mine run the Accident Investigation unit in Alice Springs for many years and is still involved with some of the major accidents.
With all of our funding and lack of resource issues we have in Alice
he is going to be over the moon to hear they can now disband the AIU and just ask EO members for advice regarding accident investigations.
I will let him know that the odd donation to Exploroz would be appreciated, although I'm sure once he realises you mob don't even need to see the accident to make accurate evaluations, as the whole investigation can be done from a single photo on your computer, site donations will be no issue.

The same bloke used to be chairman of the road safety council so while I'm talking to him I might also suggest that Territory Drivers need to pass a road condition exam before getting a NT licence.
Something like you obviously have in the eastern states which proves you know the surface condition and possible water pooling sections on every road within a 500km radius of you place of residence.

Personaly I would have said a team of professionals in this field have investigated the matter and concluded, it was simply an accident and it could have happened to any one , and put it down to accidents will happen...........

hahahahahaha......ROTFLMAO

LOL
Cheers

AnswerID: 343745

Follow Up By: handy - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:27

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:27

well said mate, arm chair pros at it again.
by the way was speed and alcohol a contributing factor in your little pushy stack. lol

FollowupID: 611548

Follow Up By: Member - Hairs & Fysh (North - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:36

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:36

What do you reckon handy?
We're talking about Hairy here. I would be a little disappointed if Alcohol was not consumed while attempting such a stunt. :))

FollowupID: 611551

Follow Up By: handy - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:40

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:40

copious amounts i would dare say. ha ha

FollowupID: 611553

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:50

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:50

Well......yes.....and.............no!

Was there a bourbon in my hand as I did the jump? NO

Was there a Stanley thermos mug full of bourbon hanging in the nearby tree?....................................................? YES

But was it mine and does it make the accident alcohol related?.....Mmmmm...... maybe this could be the first paid investigation for the EO Accident Investigation Unit? (EOAIU)

Ive been advised by my QC to put it down to the appauling state of Territory roads, until a thorough investigation has been conducted by the EOAIU.
Until then I have been advised not to coment!!

You going underwater yet Handy?

LOL

FollowupID: 611556

Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:56

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:56

PS. I just sent you two an email....Beware!!! Handy reckons its true. He broke it!!! Hahahaha

FollowupID: 611557

Follow Up By: handy - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:57

Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:57

not under yet, plenty of water around us, creeks up abit.
only had 12 mm last week but all around us has been getting inches. cheers

hey i thought i was your QC i only charge a ctn of rum cans per consultation, has someone cut me out or was it the 3 months you got cause i turned up at the court drunk.

FollowupID: 611558