Key Takeaways
- A cyclist, Tod Penberthy, was struck by a car while participating in a race on Poihipi Rd.
- The incident occurred when the driver of the car, a woman, misjudged the distance between her vehicle’s mirror and the cyclist.
- Penberthy suffered injuries, including cuts and gravel in his arm, and was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital.
- The driver apologized to Penberthy and held his hand while he waited for emergency services.
- The police are investigating the circumstances of the crash, and no charges have been laid.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on Saturday when Tod Penberthy, an experienced cyclist, was participating in a race on Poihipi Rd. He was struck by a car, which was towing a trailer, and suffered injuries to his arm. Penberthy was airlifted to Tauranga Hospital, where he underwent surgery to remove gravel and grass from his arm. He is expected to stay in the hospital for about four or five days. Despite the severity of the incident, Penberthy was fortunate to have escaped more serious injuries.
The Circumstances of the Crash
According to Penberthy, the driver of the car, a woman, had sped up to avoid hitting another car coming from the opposite direction. However, she misjudged the distance between her vehicle’s mirror and Penberthy, resulting in the crash. Penberthy believed that if the driver had braked to let the other car pass and then driven around him, the incident could have been avoided. The driver apologized to Penberthy and held his hand while he waited for emergency services, showing remorse for her actions. Penberthy, a former policeman and firefighter, said that he had taken all necessary safety precautions, including wearing safety gear and staying far left on the road.
The Aftermath of the Crash
Penberthy’s partner, Srikham Lertlar, had been waiting for him at the finish line for several hours and was panicking when she heard about the incident. She had set up a massage table to help Penberthy recover from the race but was instead informed by the police that he had been involved in a serious accident. Penberthy said that he had always been aware of the risks associated with road cycling, having seen many incidents during his career as a policeman and firefighter. However, despite taking all necessary safety precautions, he was still surprised when the incident occurred.
The Investigation and Response
The police were notified about the incident at 10:15 am on Saturday and are currently investigating the circumstances of the crash. No charges have been laid, and the police are working to determine the cause of the incident. An ambulance hired for the event was called to the scene, and Penberthy was taken to Taupō Hospital before being airlifted to Tauranga Hospital. The incident highlights the importance of road safety and the need for drivers to be aware of cyclists on the road. Penberthy, who has been road cycling for 45 years, said that this was his 12th time riding the track and that he had never been hit before, making the incident a shocking experience for him.
Conclusion and Reflection
The incident involving Tod Penberthy is a reminder of the risks associated with road cycling and the importance of safety precautions. Despite taking all necessary precautions, Penberthy was still involved in a serious accident, highlighting the unpredictability of such incidents. The incident also highlights the importance of driver awareness and the need for drivers to be cautious when sharing the road with cyclists. Penberthy’s experience and safety-conscious approach to road cycling serve as a reminder to all cyclists to be aware of their surroundings and to take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of accidents. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is hoped that it will provide valuable insights into the circumstances of the crash and help to prevent similar incidents in the future.
