12-16-2008 12:46 AM

As many of us can attest to, nothing beats the feeling of taking a finished project on its maiden voyage. That’s why it’s important not to get carried away before you familiarize yourself with your car’s limits. Tragedy struck earlier today when a 24-year-old Australian man crashed his newly-restored 1971 Datsun 1600 (aka 510 in the US), into a tree. The driver was airlifted to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, but his 20-year-old passenger survived with minor injuries.

Authorities say the car was unregistered and travelling 40kph over the speed limit on the winding road where the collision occurred. We know the temptation to take your car out for a spin after a major work is completed is damn near irresistible, but please use the utmost caution when doing so.

As our resident Aussie Kev explains, the “P-Plater” referred to in the article is an Australian term that describes beginner drivers. For the first three years of driving, a small magnetic “P” is affixed to your car, much like the Japanese shoshinsha mark, indicating a lower speed limit for the driver, a prohibition of turbo or V8 cars, a lower allowable alcohol limit, and fewer allowable infringements before license cancellation.

Be safe out there, JNCers.

[Sydney Morning Herald]

More...

And if that doesn't make you cringe, keep in mind that it is/was a right hand drive car.....

And if that doesn't make you cringe, keep in mind that it is/was a right hand drive car.....

Well........this did happen in Australia.

Well........this did happen in Australia.

I think he is just referencing where the tree hit - Driver door....

I got that but it was already 'in my mind' that the tree hit the driver's door because I was aware that the accident took place in Australia before seeing the pictures.