Driver had ‘no time to react’ before head-on

A woman who crashed head-on into another vehicle may meet with the people she injured, including a 70-year-old woman, to understand how the crash impacted them.

Seddon woman Caryll McPherson, 48, has been referred to restorative justice before she is sentenced next month on two charges of careless driving causing injury.

McPherson collided with a vehicle on State Highway 1, south of Blenheim, after losing control of her Mazda at the intersection of Redwood Pass Rd near the Smith’s overbridge on February 19.

A police summary of facts said McPherson’s vehicle started drifting left, leaving the lane towards the end of a bend, as she travelled south towards Seddon.

The vehicle’s two left tyres drifted onto the roadside gravel and as McPherson tried to steer her vehicle back towards the road, she ‘‘lost traction’’, the summary said.

Her vehicle began veering across the road and travelling into the oncoming lane.

At the same time, two occupants of a Nissan vehicle were travelling towards McPherson on the correct side of the road.

Police prosecutor Mark Harris said the occupants of the car had ‘‘no time to react’’ before the two vehicles collided in a head-on crash.

Emergency services were called to the crash about 3pm and firefighters cut two people free at the scene.

A 70-year-old woman in the Nissan was flown to Wellington Hospital by the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust in a critical condition.

McPherson and the occupant of the other vehicle were taken to Wairau Hospital, in Blenheim, by ambulance where they were treated.

The road was temporarily reduced to one lane after the crash.

McPherson would reappear at the Blenheim District Court on May 14 for sentencing.

Judge Ruth referred McPherson for a restorative justice meeting before that date.