Coroner calls for ATV code of practice

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 644, 9 July 1996, Page 1

Coroner calls for ATV code of practice

Acode of practice for recreational and work use of all terrain vehicles (ATV's) should be intro duced "without delay", according to Waimarino coroner Paul Brown. He made the recommendation following an inquest into the death of a young man on a commercial 4-wheel bike trip near Ohakune. The coroner found that Timothy James Sonderer died of neck injuries in a 4-wheel bike accident in December 1995. Evidence was given by five witnesses, Graham Berry, Robert Howie, Campbell Orr who were on the trek with deceased as well as Jack Waldron from Occupational Safety & Health Service and Constable Stu Ngatai. He died at approximately 3.30pm. on 29 December 1995 on the farm property owned by John McCarthy at Mangaheuheu Road near Ohakune from a large neck fracture, due to a blow to the neck. "As coroner I recommended that the Department of Occupational Safety & Health without delay complete a survey and introduce a code of practice for the use of all terrain vehicles both in the workplace and for recreational purposes," said Mr Brown. Mr Brown found that Desmond Samuel (Chick) Norris di ed of hy pothermia inJulyl995inJubilee Park, Ohakune . Chick Norris was found in bush in Jubilee Park, near the Ohakune shopping centre, on 20 July. Mr Brown said he most likely died some time between 8.30pm on 14 July and Sunday 16 July 1995. Mr Norris was the subject of a widespread search by police and community volunteers after he had gone missing. Mr Brown released the findings on the two deaths last week following the inquests held in Ohakune on 6 June.