We do not know the circumstances of the accident and certainly will not theorise over who was at fault. That is the job of the coroner, who will be assisted by NSW Police crash investigators.

What we do know is that a young life full of great promise was taken. We know also of the grief and shock suffered by the young man’s friends and family but can’t imagine for one second how tough that must be.

We also know the stretch of highway where the crash occurred has a very poor road safety record.

The toll it has taken should be measured in more than the bald statistics. Each roadside memorial – and there are many that dot the highway around Wandandian – speak of unimaginable trauma for the families and friends left behind. They speak, too, of the ever more urgent need to address this stretch of highway, which has taken too many lives over the years.

The need for action is made urgent by the spectacular improvements already made and under way to the highway north of Nowra.

Once complete, the highway upgrade from Gerringong to Bomaderry will make the South Coast much more accessible from Sydney. There will be an inevitable increase of traffic south of Nowra as a result, making the road through Wandandian even more perilous than it already is.

That stretch of highway is narrow and winding. There is very little margin for error and the results of a moment’s inattention can be catastrophic. 

We are assured work is being done in the background to make the Princes Highway safer after the Jervis Bay turnoff, from where it narrows. We are pleased work to improve safety around the Log Cabin service station is in the pipeline.

However, much more is required.

Right now, the focus should be on the people left behind after Dimitri’s death – his family and the Nowra Anglican College community within which he was so cherished. This is a difficult time but all affected by the tragedy should know the rest of the community stands shoulder to shoulder with them.