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Expert slams driver's attitude after crash

Ben Blomfield

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

© The Cairns Post

 

A MOTORING expert has slammed a P-plate driver who felt "invincible" after walking away from a crash, while two other people were taken to hospital.

Ben Hofmann, 18, was one of three drivers involved in the crash on Kamerunga Rd near the entrance to Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park about 8.10am yesterday.

A 33-year-old woman and 21-year-old man were both taken to Cairns Base Hospital with minor injuries after the crash, which left the northbound lane closed for more than an hour.

Two cars were written off in the crash, with Mr Hofmann's 2009 Ford Fiesta suffering about $10,000 damage.

The young Edmonton driver, who said this was his third crash since getting his licence, said the incident was more of an adrenalin rush than a worrying event.

"It's more of an adrenalin rush. It didn't bother me that much," said Mr Hofmann, who laughed and claimed he was invincible after the crash.

"I have terrible luck with this kind of thing."

Mr Hofmann was taking his girlfriend, Clarissa Knowlton, 18, to her volunteer job when his car and a blue sedan were involved in a collision.

The woman's car bounced off Mr Hofmann's vehicle and hit a Toyota Hilux ute head-on.

While Mr Hofmann has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the crash, his laidback comments moments afterwards ignited concerns from a driving expert.

Driver-trainer, motorsport competitor and The Cairns Post contributing columnist Peter Roggenkamp said young adults with bulletproof attitudes were cancers on the road.

"This young man who thinks because he's had an accident and is OK that he's bulletproof … we only have to look at last year's road toll to know how dangerous those attitudes can be," he said.

"Unfortunately, most P-plate drivers have little or no experience and when they walk away from an accident they think they're a good driver."

 


<strong>Terrible luck:</strong> Two people were taken to hospital after this crash at Caravonica yesterday. Picture: MIKE WATT

Terrible luck: Two people were taken to hospital after this crash at Caravonica yesterday. Picture: MIKE WATT

 

<strong>Nothing to worry about:</strong> P-plate driver Ben Hofmann, 18, and his girlfriend Clarissa Knowlton, 18, were not hurt in the crash. Mr Hofmann said the crash was an

Nothing to worry about: P-plate driver Ben Hofmann, 18, and his girlfriend Clarissa Knowlton, 18, were not hurt in the crash. Mr Hofmann said the crash was an "adrenalin" rush. Picture: MIKE WATT


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