When Sherrie Puti Ashford crossed the centreline of Anzac Parade on November 3 her car collided head-on with another vehicle.
She pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving in Whanganui District Court on Tuesday.
The crash was caught on the closed circuit television cameras of a Four Square store. The driver of the other vehicle suffered bruising to both arms.
Ashford had been told of a bereavement just that morning, duty solicitor Raukawa Simon said, and she took responsibility. She called the driver of the other vehicle, who is asking for reparation.
The two had a face-to-face meeting that was therapeutic for everyone, Ms Simon said.
Judge Dugald Matheson said the situation had restorative justice "all over it", and the meeting was a really good start to resolving the matter.
It is to come back to court on December 19, and hopefully be settled before Christmas.
"I'm delighted the way this has worked. We can tie this up nice and tidily," he said.