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Introduction
An Adelaide inquest is delving into the tragic Anzac Day crash in 2020, where a driver suffering a psychotic episode was recorded exceeding the speed limit by over 70 km/h before causing a fatal collision. The incident resulted in the deaths of Detective Chief Superintendent Joanne Shanahan and Tania McNeill.
Speeding Captured but Not Relayed
The inquest revealed that a fixed speed camera captured Harrison Kitt driving at 187 km/h an hour before the crash. However, due to technological limitations at the time, this information was not relayed to police in real time, leaving them unaware of the impending danger.
Tragic Consequences and Legal Outcome
Kitt, then a 21-year-old law student, drove through a red light at over 160 km/h, resulting in the fatal collision. He was found not guilty of causing death by dangerous driving due to mental incompetence and is now under mental health supervision.
Inquest Focus and Witness Testimony
The inquest focuses on the resources available to police at the time and whether they had the necessary tools to identify and intercept Kitt. Witness statements revealed reports of his dangerous driving on the Southern Expressway, but the lack of a registration number hindered police intervention.
Technological Improvements and Recommendations
The inquest also highlighted advancements in traffic camera technology, allowing for real-time information sharing between the Traffic Management Centre and South Australia Police. It’s hoped the inquest will yield recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The Anzac Day crash is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving and the importance of timely information sharing to prevent such incidents. The inquest aims to identify potential improvements in road safety measures and ensure the memory of the victims leads to positive change.