Perfect life 'gone in a second' - Husband talks after coroner's findings released

The scene of the devastating crash. Photo / supplied

In a split second, Reihana Manaena's life changed forever.

A brief lapse of judgment while driving with her two young daughters saw his wife, Sarah-Jo Manaena, make a decision that ultimately claimed her life near Maraekakaho in March last year, after her car hit another vehicle on a notorious bend on State Highway 50.

"It's been over a year now and me and my family have been tested hugely," Mr Manaena said.

Mother Sarah-Jo Manaena with daughters and husband Reihana Manaena. Photo/Supplied

The Pakipaki couple's two daughters, aged 21 months and 3 years old, were in approved child restraints and survived.

Yesterday the father of two spoke to Hawke's Bay Today on the same day a coroner's report confirmed his wife's north-bound BMW station wagon inexplicably crossed the centre line and collided with a Ford Mondeo. A 44-year-old woman driving the Mondeo suffered minor injuries.

Mr Manaena said his Christian faith had given him strength. He was working full-time and raising his daughters, now aged 3 and 4.

"I feel like I had it all really, it was perfect - a good job, family, and a perfect wife - and it was just gone in a second.

"I thought I'd never be able to feel that ever again. Yes I miss her, but I have so much to be thankful for, and that's changed my perspective.

"I'm very thankful for my girls, especially how they were preserved and I have them with me now."

The coroner's report stated Mrs Manaena died at the scene of multiple injuries.

A serious-crash report had indicated there was no evidence either driver was speeding.

Police said previously the crash site had "a bit of a local reputation" due to the nature of the highway's corners creating blind spots. For many drivers, it had become a habit to "straighten the corner" by crossing the centre line, believing nothing was coming the other way.

Mr Manaena said his wife knew the road well, driving it at least four times a week.

Senior Sergeant Greg Brown, the officer in charge of road policing for Hawke's Bay, said since the accident the centre line at the crash location had been changed to a double-yellow line with a rumble strip, and the bank that previously obscured driver sight "significantly", had been shaved back.

"However, we still find drivers who ignore the yellow lines and locals report hearing the rumble strip being hit regularly," Mr Brown said.

"Police continue to focus on people who choose to cross the centre line, as they create a significant risk ... Most drivers don't understand the risk and they form bad habits."

Mr Manaena joined Mr Brown in sending a message to motorists not to risk crossing the centre line: "It's really not worth it. What are you doing - cutting off a second?"