Reckless driving is one of the leading causes of road fatalities. The Fatal Five driving behaviours—speeding, drink and drug driving, failure to wear seatbelts, distraction, and dangerous driving—are responsible for countless preventable deaths. The tragic story of Byron Gordon serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of these actions.
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Byron’s Story
On 1 January 2021, Byron Gordon, a beloved GP and father, was cycling along Seaview Road in Henley Beach with his friend Geoffrey Doe. Tragically, a vehicle crossed to the wrong side of the road, narrowly missing Geoffrey but striking Byron.
Despite immediate CPR efforts from Geoffrey and witnesses, Byron succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The driver, under the influence of methamphetamine, MDMA, cocaine, and cannabis, pleaded guilty to aggravated cause death by dangerous driving.

At [03:15], Geoffrey recalls, “It was all so sudden. One moment we were cycling, and the next, he was gone.” The tragedy highlights the deadly consequences of impaired driving—a key behaviour in the Fatal Five.
Stephanie Gordon, Byron’s daughter, reflects on the loss: “My dad’s life was cut short because of someone’s reckless decision to drive under the influence.”

Insights from Sergeant Patton
Sergeant Sean Patton of the Road Policing Section North shared key insights into the dangers of the Fatal Five. At [12:20], he explains, “The Fatal Five behaviours aren’t just statistics. Each number represents a life lost or changed forever.”
He emphasises that impaired driving, like in Byron’s case, is entirely preventable. “The driver had a cocktail of drugs in his system. It’s a choice with tragic consequences,” Patton states.
Patton also highlights the broader impact of road fatalities, saying, “These crashes ripple outwards, affecting families, friends, and entire communities.”
A Heartbreaking Example
Byron Gordon’s story is a heartbreaking example of how reckless driving can shatter lives. The Fatal Five driving behaviours—speeding, distraction, failure to wear seatbelts, drink and drug driving, and dangerous driving—are not just traffic offences; they are choices with deadly consequences.
As a community, we must hold ourselves and others accountable to prevent similar tragedies. Increased awareness, stricter penalties, and responsible decision-making are critical in creating safer roads for all.
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