26 Feb 2015

Coroner issues finding into cyclist death

2:27 pm on 26 February 2015

A coroner has found advertising material on a truck window limited the driver's visibility and contributed to a crash that killed a Christchurch cyclist.

Nursing student Sharla Phyllis Haewera, 22, died from severe chest injuries after being hit by the truck while cycling on Lincoln Road early in the morning of 2 April last year.

The 75-year-old truck driver, John William Herridge, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death and was disqualified from driving and ordered to pay fines and restitution of $10,450.

He drove directly into the path of Ms Haewera, while trying to turn the 10-tonne food delivery truck, dragging her for about 10 metres.

Coroner David Crerar said he would forward his findings to Herridge's employer to ensure driver visibility was not compromised by advertising material in the future.

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