Driver acquitted in burnout death after jury blames event safety gaps
Bryce Dridan, 29, was found not guilty of culpable driving despite his ute killing 18-year-old Trent DeZoete at a burnout event.
On November 4, 2023, Bryce Dridan's ute lost its brakes at the LOO5ENATS burnout event in Stawell. Bryce Dridan drove out of the arena to avoid hitting spectators.
His vehicle then hit DeZoete, who died. Prosecutors said Dridan was reckless for leaving the arena and exceeded the 5kmh speed limit.
But the jury found him not guilty of culpable driving causing death or dangerous driving causing death. The defence argued the event had poor safety features.
Only one plastic bollard separated the public area from the arena. There were no safety staff, barriers or bollards to stop out-of-control cars from entering the food court.
A caravan and loose car parts also made it harder for Dridan to escape during the emergency.
- November 4, 2023
- Incident date
- Stawell, Victoria
- Event location
- One plastic bollard with bunting
- Safety barrier
- September 30, 2026
- Verdict date
Why it mattersThe verdict raises urgent questions about safety standards at public driving events and how event organisers must prevent vehicles from entering spectator areas.
AustraliaVictorian burnout and motorsport events may face stricter safety audits and mandatory barriers to protect crowds from vehicles.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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