Gabby's Story: Rebuilding driving Confidence After a Serious Crash

Gabby and her mum Maddy

A few weeks before attending Street Smart, Gabby was involved in a serious crash.

She was driving to school on a country road when another driver failed to see her and pulled out in front of her vehicle.

"I was travelling at 100km/h when my vehicle was hit and rolled into a fence," says Gabby.

Remarkably, she walked away without physical injuries. Emotionally, however, the experience had a lasting impact.

"Afterwards, I didn't want to drive again because I felt like every car was going to crash into me."

For Gabby and her family, the accident changed everything.

"The accident has definitely changed the way Gabby drives and has made both my husband and me much more cautious," says her mum, Maddy.

Living in a rural area, driving is an important part of everyday life. Like many families, Maddy says there can be pressure for young people to progress through the licensing system quickly so they can get themselves to school, sports practices and other activities.

Looking back, the experience highlighted the importance of gaining real-world experience behind the wheel.

"Since the accident, we've realised how important it is for young drivers to complete plenty of driving hours and gain real-world experience behind the wheel."

When a local police officer suggested Gabby attend a Street Smart training day in Christchurch, neither she nor her family knew much about the programme.

"We hadn't heard about the Street Smart course until our local policeman contacted us and asked if we would like Gabby to be put forward for the course," says Maddy.

Gabby's expectations weren't exactly high.

"I thought it was going to be all theory and quite boring, so I wasn't very keen to go."

But it didn't take long for her perspective to change.

"Throughout the day she mentioned several times how good it was," says Maddy.

The practical nature of the training stood out immediately.

"She really enjoyed having young coaches and relevant, real-life driving scenarios. The ABS braking and mechanical components were her favourites."

For Gabby, one activity made a particularly strong impression.

"The ABS braking exercise was what I took the most from. I really enjoyed learning how to use it properly and understanding what the vehicle can do in an emergency situation."

Maddy says the coaches played a significant role in making the experience engaging.

"The coaches were fantastic. They connected well with the group and made it both fun and engaging. The mechanical section was especially relevant, as it focused on practical knowledge the students actually need. Gabby even came home and showed her father things he didn't know."

At the end of the training day, Gabby drove herself home from Methven.

For both mother and daughter, it was a significant moment.

"It was nerve-wracking for both of us," says Maddy. "Gabby admitted she was nervous about getting back behind the wheel because she was worried about what other drivers around her might do."

But she also noticed something had changed.

"When she arrived, I asked if she was doing anything differently, and she said, 'I'm so much more careful, I'm looking everywhere for hazards, and I'm less distracted.'"

The lessons from the day have continued to shape the way Gabby approaches driving.

"I am much more aware of my surroundings now," says Gabby. "I pay more attention to potential hazards and I know how to use ABS braking effectively if I ever need it."

Maddy has noticed the difference too.

"Since attending Street Smart, Gabby has become much more careful and aware of her surroundings. She pays greater attention to potential hazards and is far more conscious of distractions, both inside and outside the vehicle."

For families considering Street Smart, Maddy believes the value lies in its practical approach.

"A lot of theory-based driver training has very limited impact on how teenagers actually drive. If funding is available, I believe it is far better invested in practical programmes like Street Smart."

"The hands-on experience and real-world learning genuinely changed the way Gabby thinks about driving. It didn't just teach her skills – it changed her attitude and awareness behind the wheel, which is ultimately what makes young drivers safer."

For Gabby, the message to other young drivers who have experienced a frightening incident on the road is simple:

"Get back behind the wheel – and do the Street Smart course. It really helped me rebuild my confidence and become a safer driver."