Speeding Learner Update

(Written December 2001, one month after original article)             

If some of you think I am making up this story I can’t blame you. In the previous article I asked for your opinion on how you would handle Kathy? She is the one learning in her red late model Hyundai Sports Coupe. She drove too fast and lacked observation. My gut feeling told me she will be a danger, despite all the training I can give her.

Roy Tilley from Lower Hutt, New Zealand sent a lengthy email with some great advice. (Thank you, Roy).

I talked to Kathy, how I felt. I talked to her mother and her father, but I did not offer a refresher driving lesson to them, as Roy suggested. It may have insulted. Roy also said to try commentary driving (hazard perception), introduce the "what if" factor. Yes, I did that too. After more lessons Kathy slowed down a little. We perfected the manouevres and she passed her test on the 12th of November, first time, with a government examining officer.

I just spoke to Kathy’s mother on the telephone. The news was not good. On Nov. 15th Kathy exited the car park (right turn) at the shopping centre she works at. She gave way to the first vehicle from the left, but did not see the second one, also a P-plate (newly licensed) driver. The second car hit her at high speed (police estimated 60 km/h) on the passenger side. The vehicle was not insured. Kathy was taken to hospital, but sustained no serious injury. Kathy’s mother is thankful to still have a daughter. The police said, she was lucky to get out of it like she did. She now drives a 1986 Ford.

I speculate, that both drivers saw the traffic light further ahead on green and were hoping to make it through. I am thankful to Kathy’s mother for being so open about it.