Take care on the roads, SES urges

RECENT road accidents including a crash in Mount Moriac last week have spurred the State Emergency Service (SES) to urge drivers to slow down over the holiday period.

On December 19, SES volunteers from the South Barwon unit were called to a car accident with people trapped on the corner of Princes Hwy and Cape Otway Road.

The two-vehicle T-bone collision was at high speed, and trapped an occupant of one of the vehicles.

“CFA and SES rescue crews have used the ‘Jaws of Life’ to remove the doors, and the B pillar of the vehicle,” South Barwon SES spokesperson Scott Clark said.

“Rescue crews then assisted Ambulance Victoria to extricate the casualty out the rear of the vehicle.”

Rescue crews took about 20 mins to free the casualty before assisting ambulance crews to load casualty into a waiting helicopter.

“There was a significant impact into one of the vehicles due to the 100kmh speed zone,” Mr Clark said.

“We are pleading with drivers, especially in the lead up to Christmas to take extra care on the roads.”

“With the holiday period upon us, drivers need to be extremely vigilant when traveling on our roads. Conditions can change, and road quality can deteriorate quite quickly.

“Extra care should be taken to plan your trip to ensure you arrive safely at your destination.”

VicRoads has echoed the message, with south west regional director Mark Koliba saying it was a busy time of year and people’s minds were often on other things.

“It’s vitally important that people pay attention to what they are doing on the roads during the busy holiday period and also be more vigilant to what other drivers are doing.

“People are very distracted at this time of year and we want to ensure that everybody using the road network gets to where they are going without incident.

“If you plan on drinking, don’t plan on driving. Arrange alternative transport such as a taxi, public transport or arrange for a designated driver.

“The hotter months can also lead to frazzled and short tempers on the road, so remember to drive in a safe manner and don’t cut in front of vehicles or tailgate.”