Airbags helped Martin cheat death

By KRISTIN MACFARLANE in Rotorua
Okere Falls resident Aaron Martin feels cheated after losing his car and suffering injuries in an accident which happened through no fault of his own.

The 33-year-old was a victim of a recent three-vehicle road smash at the Whakatane turn-off.

The accident happened when a woman turned into the path of Mr Martin's vehicle as he travelled towards Rotorua from Okere Falls.

His car then collided with a campervan carrying Australian tourists.

Despite the seriousness of the crash, he escaped with only a broken ankle from slamming his foot too hard on the brakes.

He believes the twin airbags in his 1995 Holden Commodore, along with other safety measures, helped prevent more critical injuries.

"It's not just airbags [it's a] combination with seatbelts," Mr Martin said.

He also managed to swerve a little which he also believes stopped any deaths.

"If I hadn't swerved, I would've killed a passenger," he said.

The accident has left him with minor injuries, a wrecked $14,000 vehicle, which he spent a lot of time modifying, as well as constant battles with insurance and ACC. Mr Martin is self-employed as a wood carver/sculptor and auto electrician and since the crash he has been unable to work because of problems kneeling.

In spite of all this, Mr Martin does not hold a grudge, but does admit to being a bit annoyed.

"I'm not angry, it's just one of those things, you just wish it didn't happen," Mr Martin said.

As a voluntary training officer for the West Rotoiti Volunteer Rural Fire Force, Mr Martin is more often helping those involved in car accidents than being on the receiving end.

He's been to three smashes in the same area as his own.

He said he would like to see something done there, such as putting in a roundabout. However, he believes Transit New Zealand would not like the idea of slowing the traffic on the State Highway.

Mr Martin says he cannot stress enough the importance of being safe when driving and is now issuing a plea to other motorists.

"Please be alert and don't be blase about driving. Please extend the following distances way more than you think."

While it is not possible to have airbags installed in some vehicles Mr Martin is now encouraging people who drive vehicles without them to update their car.