General News
20 March, 2023
Unnecessary risk-taking adding to rural road deaths
Police are warning against “dangerous” and “reckless” driving that could put lives at risk following an incident in Carisbrook last week. Emergency services were called to the Carisbrook-Eddington Road at around 2 pm on Friday to respond to...
Police are warning against “dangerous” and “reckless” driving that could put lives at risk following an incident in Carisbrook last week.
Emergency services were called to the Carisbrook-Eddington Road at around 2 pm on Friday to respond to a single-vehicle collision involving a blue Toyota Corolla.
The driver and only occupant, a 30-year-old male from Carisbrook was driving south before he allegedly lost control of the vehicle while passing through a sweeping right-hand bend, authorities said.
“[He] crossed onto the incorrect side of the road and then he veered sideways off to the left hand side of the road, heavily collided with some large rocks and came to a rest about 30 odd metres past the rocks,” Central Goldfields Highway Patrol Sergeant Paul Martin said.
“Speed is definitely a factor in this collision. The road is dry and visibility is good. It’s just another example of someone driving too fast, taking unnecessary risks and placing themselves and other road users in serious danger.
“He crossed onto the wrong side of the road while he was out of control at one stage — fortunately a truck had just gone through prior to the collision, so we’re very lucky that it didn’t result in a head on with the truck and he’s very lucky to not be more seriously injured.”
Police said the man presented with some internal bruising, soreness and lacerations and was taken to Ballarat Base Hospital for treatment.
Minutes before the accident occurred, police received reports of erratic driving in the area and people are now being urged to come forward if they have more information.
“We did have other reports of a blue car seen driving in this general area prior to the collision, in a manner that caused people concern,” Sgt Martin said.
“[There was a] call within 10 minutes of this collision and we believe it may well be the same vehicle and I would certainly encourage anyone who’s got any observations, information or dash cam footage of that vehicle to talk to us.
“Anyone who may have witnessed the driving prior to the collision or may have been overtaken by this vehicle or witnessed something else that might be of interest to us, contact the Central Goldfields Highway Patrol or Crime Stoppers.”
This incident comes after the shire recorded its first road fatality last month following a single-vehicle crash that led to the death of a 53-year-old man in Rathscar.
Overall, lives lost on rural Victorian roads this year are up considerably compared to 2022 — with the Transport Accident Commission’s data showing that in 2023 a total of 36 deaths have occurred in regional areas, an increase of 20 percent from last year.
“We’re overrepresented in terms of fatalities on rural roads in general across the state. This incident [in Carisbrook] is a good example of just unnecessary risk-taking that led to a significant collision which was totally and utterly preventable,” Sgt Martin said.
“It appears there was considerable speed involved and it’s just completely selfish and dangerous behaviour.
“It could have easily resulted in a head on with someone coming the other way and fortunately it didn’t, but it just goes to show how these things can quickly unravel into something that involves other people that are innocently caught up in them through stupid and reckless driving.”
Anyone who witnessed the collision at Carisbrook on Friday, has dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au