The man killed when his car collided with a bus in Meadowbank has been named, 24-year-old Jarryd Davidson. / Video by Michael Craig
Jarryd Davidson's fatal collision with a bus in Auckland in 2019 might have been prevented if planned traffic calming measures had been put in place, a coroner has found.
However, the coroner has accepted contributing factors to the 24-year-old's death included speeding, alcohol and drug consumption, and the fact hewasn't wearing his correcting lenses.
After a night of drinking with friends, Davidson was driving in the southbound lane of Gowing Drive, Meadowbank, on January 12, 2019.
Because of the narrow road - made so by cars parked on either side - Davidson crossed the centreline by one metre before he collided with a bus in the northbound lane.
A Serious Crash Unit investigation found Davidson was travelling between 83 and 94 kilometres an hour, in a 50km/h area.
A toxicological analysis determined Davidson's blood-alcohol level was 257 milligrams per 100 millilitres - more than five times higher than the legal limit.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and tramadol were also found in his blood.
Tetitaha noted Davidson was also not wearing correcting lenses, which was a condition of his licence.
Both the bus and Davidson's vehicle had crossed the centreline prior to the crash, due to the street's narrow nature. Photo / Michael Craig
An Auckland Transport (AT) report identified several traffic calming measures for further investigation to reduce similar crashes in the area.
They included removing parking to widen the road for travelling vehicles, moving bus stops to increase visibility and more speed signs.
"It is my view if these traffic calming measures had been in place at the time of this crash, it might have prevented this death," Tetitaha said.
"I understand these measures are proposed and have not as yet come into effect."
AT spokeswoman Natalie Polley said the findings had been taken "seriously" and safety improvements to Gowing Dr had been consulted on.
"We are assessing how these improvements can be implemented as part of the broader Meadowbank to Kohimarama Shared Path Connections project," she said.
"Safety improvements being considered include raised speed tables, safer crossings and a range of safety measures to help protect walkers and cyclists."
She added Davidson's death highlighted how devastating the consequences could be when speed, drugs and alcohol were mixed.
