Driver’s close call
Leeman police say several overseas tourists are lucky to be alive this month after a serious accident and a speeding event on Indian Ocean Drive.
A day trip to the Pink Lake for four South Korean visitors was cut short by a speeding fine, and a mini-van driven by an English backpacker rolled along Indian Ocean Drive.
Leeman police Sgt Jeromy Jones said within 500m of the place a young Geraldton man lost his life last month, the van with two passengers rolled about 4.30pm on Monday January 9.
“She hit the gravel, over-corrected, swung to the wrong side of the road, over-corrected again, hit the gravel again and rolled onto her side,” he said.
“The front passenger fractured an ankle, the driver had some sore ribs and was taken to hospital, and the rear passenger walked away like they never had an accident.”
Sgt Jones said the driver and injured passenger were taken to Perth for treatment and investigations were continuing.
“The van looks like a write-off but we don’t believe she was speeding,” he said. “She was going the recommended 90, the speed limit was 110 but it was a 90km bend.”
Sgt Jones said his officers clocked a South Korean tourist at 168km/h around 11.40am on January 3.
“He had three other South Korean tourists in the car,” Sgt Jones said.
“We seized his vehicle for driving 45km over the speed limit.
“He was due to fly out (the) next week, so his bail was refused to make sure he stayed here.”
The man pleaded guilty to reckless driving in Northbridge Magistrate’s Court.
He was given a $1000 fine and suspended from driving for six months.
“He was made to pay the fine before he departed court,” Sgt Jones said.
“They were on their way to the Pink Lake, just for an afternoon trip.”
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