A motorbike-riding elderly woman died when a P-plate driver blinded by the sun slammed his ute into her, but a coroner has declined to make any recommendations.

April 3, 2023

A motorcycle-riding elderly woman died in country Tasmania after a P-plate driver blinded by the sun slammed his ute into her, an inquest has found.

Joan Peters, 84, was killed in Upper Castra on December 15, 2021, after Bradley James Williams’ Holden Rodeo crashed into her Suzuki motorbike.

Ms Peters had stopped her bike in the middle of the road after also likely being impacted by the glare of the sun, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said on Monday.

The experienced rider suffered multiple head, spinal and pelvic injuries and died at the scene, with several existing medical conditions contributing to her death.

Her helmet also came off during the crash likely because she failed to securely fasten the chin strap.

“The crash causing the death of Mrs Peters was a most unfortunate incident caused solely by the inability of both herself and Mr Williams to see the road ahead due to the position of the sun,” Ms McTaggart said.

An investigation found there were no issues with the functioning of either vehicle, the road surface, speed, inattention or the use of drugs and alcohol.

Mr Williams had slowed to 40-50 km/h due to the lack of visibility caused by the sun in his eyes and a drive-through reconstruction confirmed the low-setting sun inhibited both drivers’ ability to clearly see the road ahead.

“Mr Williams was travelling at an appropriately low speed for this situation and could not have expected a stationary vehicle to be present on the roadway,” Ms McTaggart said.

“I cannot make any finding that Mr Williams departed from the standard of a reasonable driver in any relevant respect.”

The evidence collected by the coroner was reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions who did not recommend charges.

Ms McTaggart declined to make any recommendations, saying the circumstances of the crash and Ms Peters’ death meant she was not required to.