He is mayor at the age of 19. He has not had the note for more than a year. On Sunday evening, Håvard Handeland (Ap) was to go to the office in Sauda to do some budget work. But he didn’t get that far. A hill of steep dimensions stood in the way of the 19-year-old and the budget documents. Here is Håvard together with former mayor of Sauda, Asbjørn Birkeland (Sp). Håvard is the youngest ever mayor in Norway. Photo: Thomas ystrøm / news His driving instructor is called André Håheimsnes. He is clear about what Håvard should do now. – The most important thing for Håvard now is to get back in the car and try again. Through a fence – It was slippery and I knew it, so I kept my speed low. Suddenly the brake released on the ground and I slide down towards the fence and the slope. His thoughts fly as he slides sideways down the hill. He hopes the fence will stop him, but no. – I fly through the fence and into the trees. Amazingly, he escaped the incident almost unscathed. He was left with a broken car and an ever so small kink in his neck. – The neck looks old. I take it as a foretaste of the old age to come – let’s hope, Handeland jokes. Håvard’s car burst through this fence. Photo: Privat A notorious hill Driving instructor Håheimsnes is in no way disappointed by the driving characteristics of the mayor. Because it is certainly a notorious hill in Sauda, this. – I think there were five cars on the same day that struggled in the same place as Håvard. He was unfortunately the most unlucky, says driving instructor Håheimsnes. Driving instructor at Austerheim traffic school in Sauda, André Håheimsnes. Photo: Private He says this has happened to everyone to a greater or lesser extent and hopes Håvard was not too frightened. – This is an experience he must take with him further. When Håvard has driven for a few years, this will be a good story, he says. The trees cushioned the fall and he had a relatively soft landing on the snow-covered ground. Photo: Private Tips for smooth driving The driving instructor will give you some tips for those who are going out on smooth roads – so that you don’t have the same misfortune as Håvard: – The most important thing is to find out how slippery it actually is. Take one or two test brakes to check. – A good track choice is wise. Stay where it is best to lead. – Keep a good distance to the car in front and let any cars past if they are faster. – Adjust your speed according to the conditions And perhaps the most important thing in the end: – Should have left the car Mayor Handeland tells VG that he is now going to invest in studded tires for his electric bicycle. He is grateful that it went so well, and he himself thought it would go worse. – I probably should have left the car that night, says Handeland.
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– The neck feels old – news Rogaland – Local news, TV and radio
