Motorists urged to be wary of fatigue following Taupō woman's death

The collision took place on East Taupō Arterial, close to the Centennial Drive offramp. Photo / Google

A coroner has urged New Zealand motorists to watch for signs of fatigue when behind the wheel following the death of a Taupō woman last year.

Naomi Healy died a day after a head-on collision between the SUV she was driving and a truck on State Highway 1 near the turn-off to Centennial Drive in Taupō.

It's believed the 64-year-old fell asleep behind the wheel or was in a microsleep at the time of the crash on March 19, 2020, a Coroner's report found.

Healy died at Waikato Hospital on March 27, 2020, from complications of severe head trauma and associated injuries.

Coroner Michael Robb said the dangers of driving while fatigued were evident in Healy's death and urged drivers to watch for signs of fatigue.

"When fatigued, stopping for a rest or a mini-break or sleep is necessary, regardless of how long driving has been undertaken."

The collision took place on East Taupō Arterial, close to the Centennial Drive offramp, where the north and southbound lanes are divided by double-yellow no-passing lanes.

Healy was travelling with her partner Joseph Stanley. The pair were returning home after Stanley had a medical appointment at 9am in Hamilton.

Stanley had driven to Hamilton, leaving around 6am, and after the appointment continued to drive. Around noon, the pair stopped for lunch in Tirau.

Afterwards, Stanley continued driving until they reached Tokoroa, where they stopped for 45 minutes before Healy got behind the wheel around 2pm.

Estimated to be travelling around 100km/h by a commuter behind the pair, the Dodge Journey SUV which Healy was driving crossed the SH1 centre line at 3pm.

At the same time, an Isuzu Gigamaz truck was travelling northbound. The truck's driver attempted to brake but was unable to avoid a collision.

Healy suffered severe head and chest injuries and was flown to Waikato Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She was placed into an induced coma and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

However, following discussions with Healy's family, her life support was removed on March 27 and she died a short time later.

Robb said there were several "well-recognised" indicators that suggested fatigue may have been a factor in the collision.

• The collision was head-on.
• Healy was aged over 50.
• The collision occurred between 2pm and 5pm.
• Healy did not attempt to brake or swerve to avoid the collision.
• Stanley was asleep.

Most significantly, the incident took place at 3pm, a period when the body is programmed to feel sleepy.

"Although she had only been driving for a short time, Naomi had been awake for 10 hours," Robb said.

"It was also noted that Naomi had driven 56 kilometres during her trip, with only one intersection to negotiate.

"This could have led to Naomi becoming under-stimulated, as the road would have required little interaction, and Joseph was asleep."

Weather conditions at the time were fine and the road surface was dry. There were no road surface or other environmental issues which contributed to the collision.

Both drivers tested negative for alcohol and both vehicles were in sound medical condition.

Mobile telephone records also didn't indicate Healy was making or receiving calls or text messages at the time of the collision.

Robb extended condolences to Healy's whānau and friends.