Woman fights for right to drive despite causing two fatal accidents at the same corner
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A woman who lost her driver's licence after causing two fatal crashes at the same corner is making another attempt to be allowed to drive again.
Pompoota farmer Michelle Leanne Thiele caused John Mitchell's death when she failed to give way at the intersection near Mannum in South Australia in 2000.
Seven years later, she did the same thing and killed motorcyclist Graham Bryant.
Deputy Coroner Anthony Schapel found Thiele was an incompetent driver who probably failed to look before she drove into the intersection.
The Registrar of Motor Vehicles cancelled her licence in 2010.
Thiele has appealed in court several times but her licence remains cancelled.
Last year, she applied for a learner's permit without success.
Thiele again has taken the matter to the Adelaide District Court, suggesting appropriate conditions and training would address any concerns about her driving.
Complacency and inattention concerns cited
In a letter filed with the court, the Motor Vehicle Act Review Committee has told Thiele it is not satisfied she has overcome her tendency for complacency and inattention.
"The committee was mindful that the purpose of the (Motor Vehicle) Act is to prevent drivers who present a danger to other road users from lawfully being permitted to drive," it read.
"In considering this matter, the committee's priority is the safety of the community."
It cites Thiele's history of five serious driving offences as another consideration in refusing the permit application.
"Of note was that less than 18 months after the death of Mr Bryant you allegedly committed and subsequently expiated a speeding offence," it read.
"While the committee is of the view that you may be technically competent to operate a motor vehicle and you may pass a practical driving test if required to do so, it was not satisfied that you addressed and overcame your tendency for complacency and inattention to road rules.
"The committee was not satisfied that issuing you with a learner's permit subject to conditions requiring further technical driver training would necessarily address those attitudinal issues. The committee is not persuaded by the materials for consideration that the risk of you causing injury or death by accident to a member of the community was low."
The case is due in court next month.
Topics: courts-and-trials, law-crime-and-justice, road, traffic-offences, mannum-5238, adelaide-5000, sa, renmark-5341, mount-gambier-5290, australia
