A South Australian coroner has recommended significant changes to the state's learner driver licensing process after an inquest into a devastating 2020 crash that killed three members of the same family. The recommendation follows an investigation into a head-on collision at Suttontown, near Mount Gambier, which claimed the lives of Ned Walker, 80, Nan Walker, 70, and their daughter Sue Skeer, 55.
The fatal crash occurred on the Princes Highway in November 2020 when a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by a 16-year-old learner driver crossed into the path of the family's Ford Territory. Evidence presented during the inquest found the teenager had momentarily lost concentration, causing his vehicle to drift into the wrong lane. As Nan Walker attempted to avoid a collision by steering away, the learner driver corrected back into his lane, resulting in a head-on crash that killed all three family members instantly.
Deputy State Coroner Naomi Kereru examined whether the teenager's medical history should have been disclosed when he applied for his learner's permit. The inquest heard the boy had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, developmental delays and behavioural issues. However, none of these conditions were disclosed on his learner permit application. The teenager and his mother believed the conditions did not affect his ability to drive and therefore did not require reporting.
In her findings, Ms Kereru concluded that relying on applicants to self-report medical conditions creates risks and may discourage full disclosure. She said the current application process could lead some applicants to omit medical information if they believe it may negatively affect their chances of obtaining a licence. As a result, she recommended that all first-time learner permit applicants be required to obtain a medical certificate from a doctor addressing the health-related questions contained in licence applications. The certificate would then be submitted directly to licensing authorities.
The coroner found that if the teenager's medical conditions had been disclosed, the Registrar of Motor Vehicles would likely have required additional medical and driving assessments before granting a licence. However, she acknowledged it remains unclear whether those assessments would have prevented the teenager from obtaining a learner's permit.
During the inquest, evidence showed the teenager's mother believed her son was a capable and responsible driver based on his experience driving on the family farm. The coroner accepted that she acted in good faith but stated that independent medical advice should have been sought rather than relying solely on personal judgment.
The recommendation has prompted consideration by the South Australian Government. Premier Peter Malinauskas described the crash as a heartbreaking tragedy, while Transport Minister Joe Szakacs said the government would carefully review the coroner's findings and examine how other Australian jurisdictions handle medical assessments for learner drivers.
The case has reignited discussion about road safety, medical disclosure requirements and the balance between supporting people with medical conditions and ensuring public safety. The Walker family's deaths remain one of South Australia's most tragic road incidents in recent years, and the coroner hopes the proposed reforms will reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.
