A tourist bus driver's quick actions saved the life of a Southland motorist who almost collided with the bus, occupied
by 40 passengers, on the Te Anau-Mossburn Highway on Christmas Eve.
A Contiki Tours coach was travelling from Te Anau to Queenstown along State Highway 94 when a Ford Falcon crossed the centre line and drove towards the bus at Coal Creek Ridge, between The Key and Mavora Lakes Rd, at about 30km from Te
Anau, at 12.30pm.
Constable Finn Murphy, of Te Anau, said the 35-year-old Auckland based bus driver ''did a very good job, he took the
bus left off the road in an attempt to avoid the Ford and still had control of the bus.''
The car struck the front corner of the bus and bounced off the side before coming to a halt. The bus stopped on the road's hard shoulder.
The Ford driver, described as a mature Southland woman, was cut from the vehicle by Te Anau volunteer firefighters, who
attended in two appliances.
The woman suffered a possible leg fracture and was taken to Te Anau Medical Centre by St John Te Anau ambulance, then
transferred by ambulance to Southland Hospital the same day. She was the only occupant of the car.
Const Murphy said he had not spoken with the woman on Christmas Eve, but charges were likely.
''His actions saved her life. If they'd gone head on, a car and a bus, you're lucky if you live.''
The 40 passengers and driver were uninjured. Another bus collected the passengers and continued their journey to Queenstown, where several had flights to catch.
The driver remained with the bus while Contiki sent a mechanic to assess the damage and its roadworthiness.
The highway was restricted to single-lane traffic for about an hour then re-opened.
Const Murphy said speed and alcohol were not factors in the crash. The woman was probably wearing a seatbelt.
''Early indications are fatigue is a factor. If people are tired, they need to pull over and take a rest.''
