Damage to the vehicle driven by Stacey Renata on a recent crash on the Kopu-Hikuai Rd. Photo / Supplied
Damage to the vehicle driven by Stacey Renata on a recent crash on the Kopu-Hikuai Rd. Photo / Supplied
Whangamata woman Stacey Renata was on her way to a life coaching forum when her drive over Kopu-Hikuai Rd delivered "a lightning bolt" life-changing moment.
On a road that she's journeyed "hundreds" of times and in a vehicle with new tyres, she slid out of control.
In seconds she washanging upside down above a precarious bank off the side of the road.
"I came around the corner and felt the car slide. When I went to correct it, I felt the car lose control, and I knew right then, 'I'm going to crash'.
"It happened so fast. I didn't even know I had rolled until I was upside down. I ended up across the road, and the only thing that stopped me from falling down that bank was a branch."
The vehicle crashed through a memorial cross on the roadside.
Immediately on the scene were workers from Ventia, who Renata says were her heroes.
"I turned the car off then turned it on again so I could wind the windows down, and as soon as I had my arm out the window, one of the guys from Ventia grabbed me and pulled me out.
Shaking and in shock, Renata says she was overwhelmed at the speed of the local emergency services that included two ambulances, two police cars and the Fire Service. The Westpac rescue helicopter was stood down.
"I think they expected a fatality."
Whangamata woman Stacey Renata says she was extremely fortunate to survive this crash on Kopu-Hikuai Rd. Photo / Supplied
Renata was left with a bruised chest and leg, has had a sore neck afterwards, and spent the next day crying at what could have been.
"I'm amazed that I came out of it unscathed. I had people calling and they thought I had died.
"I was driving very cautiously. That shouldn't have happened, but it did. That's a gnarly road."
Renata is a teacher and mentor who helps people reach their potential in life. She was on her way to support a client giving a life coaching talk in Auckland when the accident happened.
"It all could have been so disastrous. It's made me look at myself and my life and ask myself what I want to create in this lifetime.
