Expert slams driver's attitude after crash
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."
Share this article
Terrible luck: Two people were taken to hospital after this crash at Caravonica yesterday. Picture: MIKE WATT
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
Post site offers CBD parking hope
THE post office on Grafton St has been tipped as the site for a future multi-storey council carpark, after the sale of another CBD block to Australia Post.
Backpackers enjoy their Wicked trips
SHELLY Halimi and Tsuf Serusi say they love their Wicked Camper.
Palm Cove loses its phones again
PALM Cove shops and residents were left without telephone services over the weekend for the second time in less than two weeks.
Far North swingers haven has million-dollar price
"PRUDEY nudies" are making way for more titillating adult adventures, according to owners of the ever-evolving White Cockatoo resort at Mossman.
Boy, 3, drowns in dam near Dimbulah
A THREE-year-old boy drowned in a dam on a Far Northern property after going missing for almost two hours yesterday.























