It was a horrifying crash that sent an athlete to the hospital in critical condition.
Lectie Altman was on her bicycle on Tantalus Drive when police say a car drifting and racing with another car lost control and hit her. That was four months ago but some members of the cycling community has been shaken by this crash.
It also sheds light on an ongoing problem of cars drifting and racing on Tantalus. That’s why the community and government have taken steps to stop the illegal activity.
When we last spoke to Altman back in February she went through multiple surgeries, with casts on both arms and legs. Today, the casts are off but Altman needs crutches to get around.
“It’s going well I mean I’m a lot better than I was,” said Altman.
Altman has plates in her arms, wrists and legs. She’s also in constant pain. For someone who’s always been on the go, Altman has now had to learn to slow down.
“For me just being an athlete, it’s just frustrating how long it’s taking but I know that it’s a long process,” she said.
Altman tells us there has been some good that came out of this and that is more attention to end drifting on Tantalus.
Since the crash, some of Altman’s supporters have banned together to clear the corners of this dangerous drive.
Some photos taken this month show guinea grass grow as tall as a person and blocking the view of the turns. Tony Barnhill decided to purchase his own equipment and cut the gross along the road.
“By opening the sightlines, it increases the distance. You can see what’s coming and what’s going,” said Barnhill who is also Altman’s friend.
Leo Poldo has been mowing the area for a couple of years, but this recent incident has changed his perspective.
“When that lady got hurt, that motivated me to do more things for the community,” said Poldo.
There’s also a bill awaiting the mayor’s signature. Current laws treat drifting as a variation of racing, but this proposal clarifies that the act of drifting is also an offense.
If signed into law, which could be this week, drivers will be fined up to $2,000 and/or face time in prison up to one year.
“I think that it’s great that this event has brought more awareness to it and there will be stiffer penalties,” said Altman.
The 33-year-old champion triathlete continues doing what she loves. She’s mostly watching from the sidelines and cheering on her friends. However, Altman has also gone swimming and crossed the finish line with boyfriend Scott at the Lanikai Triathlon, proving once again that Lectie Altman is truly unstoppable.
“This event doesn’t need to change people’s daily activities and people just need to continue doing what makes them happy,” said said.
If you would like to help clear grass along Tantalus Drive or donate to help Altman, click here.
