One Way To Tragedy

Susan Smith, 18, died instantly, and another girl is injured, both passengers in a car that hit a pole and overturned at Glenelg last night.

Police report the car as travelling the wrong way in Ringer Street, with speed and risky driving other possible factors.

The male driver has been released from hospital after being treated for head injuries, with other passengers in a critical condition.

Pedestrian Council Chairman, Fred Walker, called for a night time curfew on P-plate and L-plate drivers.

A Roads and Traffic Authority spokesman agreed this might save lives, but expressed concern that some drivers might just drive without plates.

‘Young people in rural areas have no other form of transport’ the RTA stated, adding that research is ongoing into factors involved in risky driving behaviour.

Driving instructor Jill Maher says ‘It’s time we stopped restricting young drivers, and started teaching them the skills they need to drive at night.’

Police are appealing for witnesses, as the passengers can’t be interviewed due to their injuries, and the driver is awaiting legal advice.

by Craig Hill
30.06.2006