Scooter driver not sorry, says victim

The pensioner victim of a mobility scooter "hit-and-run" accident is disappointed at the compensation and lack of an apology she's received from her 89-year-old assailant.

June Bridgman left Invercargill woman Elva Ellison with three broken bones and a massive haematoma when she hit her twice with her mobility scooter while crossing a street in Picton in January.

Bridgman was discharged without conviction in Blenheim District Court earlier this month after pleading guilty to carelessly operating a vehicle causing injury.

It is thought to be New Zealand's first prosecution for careless use of a mobility scooter causing injury and Bridgman's family say she intends to keep using the vehicle.

Mrs Ellison sought $12,800 in reparations but Bridgman was ordered to pay only $2000.

"I feel it was a little bit unfair, compared to the emotional, physical and monetary damage she did to us," said Mrs Ellison.

"If she's got any feelings, she should be a bit upset about what happened.

"I know she didn't do it deliberately - but that's not the point. She really has ruined our lifestyle for the last six months and for a while yet."

Mrs Ellison is still suffering pain and said she is "hobbling around" and was told by her orthopaedic surgeon that it could be two years before she regained full mobility.

Mrs Ellison and her husband Coley were holidaying in Picton when the accident occurred. She was halfway over a pedestrian crossing when she was struck from behind.

"She must have panicked when she hit me the first time and, instead of reversing or stopping, she kept on going and I was in the way."

Her husband chased after Bridgman, who fled the scene, and confronted her at home.

Mrs Ellison said the 89-year-old failed to display any contrition, instead falsely insisting she had a driver's licence and name-dropping her police officer son.

"She wasn't worried about me, she was more concerned about herself. She never said she was sorry or asked how I was."

Bridgman refused to talk about the incident when contacted by the Herald on Sunday.

Her son Tony Bridgman, the head of the Marlborough police highway patrol, has said his mother will keep using the scooter.

After being in hospital for three weeks and in plaster for six, Mrs Ellison is now a supporter of a safety course for mobility scooter riders.

Such courses have proliferated in recent years as the deceptively dangerous vehicles have become more common.

Two people have been killed this year in accidents involving mobility scooters. The Marlborough Road Safety Council runs safety workshops throughout the district, including in Picton.

Co-ordinator Geoff Powell said the workshops consisted of an activities course, a skills test, and a few public speakers, followed by a cup of tea.

Mary Mitchell of Palmerston North's Roadsafe Central, which hosts similar lessons, said scooter riders were taught to be aware of other road users.

"There are people who ride well and obey the rules and do the right thing. And there are people who have never driven a car and get a scooter for the first time. The freedom is just incredible for them and they hoon."