Call for tourist road test

Press, 13 December 1989, Page 28

Call for tourist road test

PA Dargaville A Coroner called for a driving skills test for tourists during an inquest into the death of a 71-year-old American tourist. The Dargaville Coroner, Mr Bob Baanders, found on Monday that Jack Herman, of California, died on September 9 as a result of injuries suffered when his rental car collided with a truck on State highway 12, about 45km south-east of Dargaviille. A truck driver, Mr John, Walker, said he saw the car being driven partly over the centre line. Traffic Officerr, Ron McFarlane, of Mangaturoto, who described the weather at the time as overcast, said there was no evidence of brake marks on the road. He believed Mr Herman had failed to keep to the lefthand side.

“This must be my fifth case in the Dargaville District Court involving American tourists dying behind the wheel of a rental vehicle,” said Mr Baanders.

“Perhaps the time has come for the authorities to look at this matter and propose some sort of skills test for tourists coming into the country from places where the driving rules are different.”

Across: 1, Asks; 8, Honourable; 9, Spotless; 10, Tool; 12, Fracas; 14, Exempt; 15, Sinner; 17, Cosset; 18, Dear; 19 Peerless; 21, Possession; 22, Keen. Down: 2, Supportive; 3, Shut; 4, Unless; 5, Pursue; 6, Tactless; 7, Peel; 11, Oppressive; 13, Congress; 16, Repose; 17, Credit; 18, Dupe; 20, Link.