Four killed in Canberra police chase

[First filed: Mar 21, 2010 @ 9:42]

[Ed – theres more to this story than most have heard, we’re sure more will come out in the following days. The RiotACT has heard some rumors about the driver and where he was before the chase, who the occupants of the second car were and what the outcomes of this incident for the police and on certain parts of Canberra community will be. We’ll let you know more when able.]

The SMH is reporting that 4 people were killed on the Monaro highway last night after a car which was involved in a police chase hit another car carring 2 adults and a child. All occupants of the car that was hit died and the driver of the car being pursued also died and the female passanger is currently in Canberra hospital.

Very, very sad news.

[Ed – UrbanAdventure.org also sent in the below story]

Four Killed in Canberra Police chase

I was saddened to read the news that four people were killed in a car accident in Canberra as result of a car being chased by police colliding with another car. It appears that the car was chased from Queanbeyan into the ACT and collided with another car at the intersection of Canberra Ave and the Monaro Highway off ramp in Narrabundah. Three innocent victims in the second car, two adults and a baby were killed as well as the driver of the chased car. Very sad indeed.

I’m not going to discuss the rights or wrongs of police chases. I have to wonder though at the mentality of those that seek to escape from the police in such a way. The news is full of stories of the deadly ends to such police chases. I mean police have special training to drive at high speed (well I hope they do), they have radios and other police cars. They have helicopters, computers, a whole bunch of people who’s sole job in life is to catch criminals.

What makes some one think “I can outrun these people?” or “I can get away from this?” as adverse to “Oh shit this will cost me a fine or maybe my licence?” A fine can be costly yes, but usually it is a few hundred dollars and I have read that you can arrange to pay it off. Even on my next to non existent income I’d rather pay a fine than risk my, and some one else’s life. I could not imagine the guilt and grief caused by endangering some one’s life or indeed killing them.

What makes people do this? What can be done to prevent it?

I figure one option is to have police call off the chase once a number plate is recorded. Then look the driver up on a database, get their phone number and ring them (or their parents) in an effort to get them to slow down and give them the opportunity to turn themselves in. I don’t know if that would work. But it would be better than these needless deaths.