Crash victim 'drunk and speeding'

Alcohol has been blamed for a Manatwatu crash last year that killed a mother and her daughter.

Joanne Mary Bowler, 52, had a blood-alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit when she tried to pass two vehicles at speed in Bunnythorpe, 10km northeast of Palmerston North, last September, a coroner's court was told on Friday, The Manawatu Standard reported.

When she swerved suddenly back to the left, she lost control of the car and hit a powerpole, a fence, the corner of a house, and a tree.

Ms Bowler died at the scene and the front seat passenger daughter Faith Karanga died in hospital three days later from her injuries.

Coroner Tim Scott said Joanne Bowler was a learner driver and Faith Bowler held no licence. Neither woman was wearing a seatbelt.

Three children travelling in the back seat, also without seatbelts, survived.

Mr Scott said alcohol impairment was the primary cause of the crash, that speed was probably a secondary cause, and that Joanne Bowler simply should not have been driving.

"In simple terms, Joanne was an unlicensed, drunk driver.

"She may have been eating a pie and she was speeding."

Mr Scott said Ms Bowler was most likely driving faster than 100km/h in a 50km/h zone.

Toxicology tests showed she also had several prescription medicines in her system, and it was possible she might have also been smoking.

He said it was quite possible the women would have been saved if they had been wearing seatbelts.

"This was a terrible, double tragedy for this family," he said.

- NZPA