Half a Car
Submitted: Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 10:40
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Replies:
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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.
Image Could Not Be Found
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."
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!
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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Follow Up By: Off-track - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 00:32
Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 00:32
Just like your judgement...
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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. ??
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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.
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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 ,
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Reply By: Member - Hairs & Fysh (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:41
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:41
Hairy did more damage to himself, showing his
young fella how to jump on his BMX.
LOL ;-)
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Follow Up By: Member - Mark G (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:45
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:45
JON
we must get Hairy to post
pic's of the push bike.......:-)
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Follow Up By: Member - Warfer (VIC) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:33
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:33
Image Could Not Be Found
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Follow Up By: handy - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 15:22
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 15:22
hey where did you get his school photo from. ha ha ha
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 16:46
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 16:46
"
Alice Springs Police today confirmed that this was an alcohol related acident and speed and Terriory roads played a large part in the cause"
Image Could Not Be Found
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Follow Up By: Member - Mark G (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 16:55
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 16:55
HAIRY
looks to me like the tredly came out the best..............lol
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:20
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 17:20
Yeah mate.....its certainly going to be a lot easier to striaghten it out than I will be!!
LOL
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:43
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 11:43
Speed limits mean nothing - you have to drive to the conditions. And if its raining, and theres water
on the road, and you drive a sportscar with fat
tyres................
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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Reply By: Member - Lionel A (WA) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:41
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 12:41
Was the tree ok.........priorities.
Cheers....Lionel.
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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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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.
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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
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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......
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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?
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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......
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Reply By: Stu-k - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:52
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 14:52
We should all drive at 10 kph and accidents wouldn't happen
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:17
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:17
5km would be safer again!
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Follow Up By: Member - Mark G (NSW) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:19
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:19
5k's ?...................................safer on a pushie?
oh sorry not for some...................................:-P
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:48
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:48
Hahahaha....
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Follow Up By: Wazza - (Vic) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 21:20
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 21:20
If he was going quicker, he may have missed the tree.
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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
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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
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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. :))
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Follow Up By: Hairy (NT) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:02
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 18:02
Na mate...your still it!
Why??? Have you forgoten about our meeting?
Bugger that...Im not paying you any more Rum till the case is finnished!!!
LOL
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Follow Up By: Bonz (Vic) - Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 21:08
Sunday, Jan 11, 2009 at 21:08
Maybe Scruby will head up to the Alice and talk up the role.
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Reply By: Honky - Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:10
Monday, Jan 12, 2009 at 11:10
Just going sideways on this subject and with all the experts following this thread, if it is speed related than how come the death rate for NT has increased over 100% since speed restrictions have been brought in?
Honky
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