Driver Pleads Guilty After Fatal Flood Crossing
A man has pleaded guilty in court following the death of a passenger after attempting to cross a flooded causeway in central New South Wales. The incident occurred despite road closures and clear warnings about hazardous water levels. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potentially deadly consequences of ignoring flood safety advice.
McGrane way was closed at the time due to heavy rainfall,with up to 150mm recorded in the area. The driver, identified as Joseph El Jer, decided to take a shorter route via Narromine, believing the water level would have subsided.
However, flood-level warnings at the Graddle Creek causeway indicated a water height of 1.3 meters. When questioned, El Jer admitted he “thought it was safe enough” to proceed.Tragically, he was wrong.
A Devastating Outcome
“I stuffed up… I will never get over [his] death,” El Jer stated in court, visibly distressed. He was supported by over a dozen family members and friends during the proceedings.
The court heard El jer has a history of driving offences,accumulating 11 as obtaining his license in 2002. This raised concerns about his future driving behavior.
The Dangers of Floodwaters
This case highlights the critical importance of heeding flood warnings and road closures. Here’s what you need to remember when facing flooded roads:
Turn around, don’t drown: This is the most significant rule. Never attempt to drive through floodwater.
water depth is deceptive: Even a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Roads may be undermined: Floodwater can erode the road surface beneath, making it unstable.
heed warnings: respect road closures and warnings from authorities.They are in place for your safety.
What’s Next?
The prosecutor questioned how the court could be confident in El Jer’s future safe driving, given his past record. El Jer responded that he had “learned a big lesson.”
He is scheduled to return to court in November for sentencing. This case underscores the devastating impact of poor decisions made in the face of dangerous conditions and serves as a crucial warning to all drivers. Your life, and the lives of your passengers, depend on making responsible choices.
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