The grieving father of Nick Campo, the 18-year-old killed in a crash in Perth’s south, is pushing for change after fronting Western Australia’s emergency road safety summit with industry leaders.
Daniel Campo wants further restrictions placed on P-platers and is calling on parents of young drivers to act to prevent further tragedies, saying he is “optimistic” action will be taken to slow the state’s soaring road toll.
Fresh from attending WA’s emergency road safety summit, he was emotional appearing on Nine’s 6PR radio today.
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“This is what the police have told us. On the night, the driver reached speeds of 135km/h in a 70 zone, lost control at 125km/h in a 70 zone,” he said, choking up.
Nick was one of five teenagers in the Toyota Hilux when it crashed into a black jeep in North Lake in July.
The promising footy player died and two others were seriously injured, including good friend Tyler Rowe, who spent 11 days in a coma.
Nick’s father revealed allegations about modifications to the Hilux ute, including an unbolted front seat.
“The vehicle itself had sway bars removed,” he claimed.
“We believe that the seatbelts were tucked up behind the back seat, airbags removed.
“And probably the most mortifying part is that the front passenger seat was facing the rear.”
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Daniel wants further restrictions placed on probationary drivers.
In WA, P-platers aren’t supposed to drive between midnight and 5am for the first six months, but there are no limits on the number or age of their passengers outside those times.
Some other states go much further, restricting young passengers to just one.
“Those first months are really quite risky. So limiting the number of people in the vehicle is particularly important,” University of WA centre for road safety research director Professor Teresa Senserrick said.
Daniel also wants parents of young drivers to step up.
“If you have to do it tonight, when your kids come home, have a look at their cars, you know, you might not know what you’re looking for but just have one little look,” he said.
“… I don’t want you, your wife, anyone in the general public driving around today to ever, ever have to stand over their son’s coffin like we did, like we had to do.”
The 17-year-old driver of the ute, who can’t be named due to his age, is facing a manslaughter charge.
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