Following his findings into the death of 17-year-old Jacob Butler, Coroner Ian Telford is reiterating that roads are not “appropriate places for unlicensed or impaired driving under any circumstances.”
In March 2023, Jacob Butler was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Kiorenui Road, Murupara.
Coroner Telford said Butler held a learner's license and took cannabis at some stage before driving.
He explains that this death highlights the “serious risks associated with young and
inexperienced drivers operating motor vehicles on public roads without a licence.”
“Learner drivers lack the training, experience, and judgement that develops over
time, particularly when confronted with unexpected or high-stress situations,” he said.
Drivers must be supervised while driving until they have been “assessed as competent to
drive alone.”
“Obtaining a full licence is not a meagre technicality,” stated Coroner Telford.
He said in high-pressure situations, “judgment can rapidly deteriorate,” leading to poor decision-making and a lack of ability to monitor road conditions, speed, and other drivers accurately.
Coroner Telford also reiterated the dangers of driving under the influence, and particularly drugs, such as cannabis.
“This substance is known to impair perception, reaction time, and decision,” he explained.
It is concerning, especially when “combined with inexperience, speed, and complex driving
environment.”
“Young people, in particular, must understand that combining inexperience, drugs, speed, and poor
visibility is a lethal mix.”
Coroner Telford’s final remarks in his findings are a reminder of the need for “continued
education and vigilance around driver licensing requirements, drug-impaired driving, and
responsible decision-making.”
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