Careless driving causing injury

A 22yearold traffic management supervisor, Kelsey Brownrigg, was fined $300 for what her lawyer described as a ‘‘freak accident’’ near Queenstown in April.

Brownrigg, of the United States, living in Queenstown, admitted careless driving causing injury to Sam Devaddere (29) at Lower Shotover Road on April 12.

Sgt Collin said at 10am Brownrigg was driving a truck south along the 80kmh road and felt the rear wheels fishtailing on a lefthand bend.

The truck hit a pot hole on the edge of the road and it ‘‘bounced’’ on to a grass verge.

Brownrigg attempted to correct it by pulling right, but the wheels regained traction and the vehicle pulled to the other side of the road, on to the path of Mr Devaddere’s vehicle.

Both drivers were injured. Ms Surrey said Brownrigg was ‘‘devastated’’ by the incident, which she said was ‘‘very bad luck for all concerned’’.

‘‘It was certainly not her intent to commit an offence or end up in this situation.’’

Brownrigg, who had not been able to work since the crash, would be off work for at least another five weeks.

She had attempted to contact Mr Devaddere to offer financial assistance, however, he had since left the country.

Judge Callaghan said the victim required hospital treatment in Queenstown for a fractured heel and on his return to Belgium a scan revealed his right knee ligaments had also been ruptured.

He would be unable to work for another eight to 12 weeks, but did not seek any reparation.

Finding her carelessness ‘‘at the lower end’’ he issued the fine and ordered Brownrigg to pay $130 court costs