By ALECIA PINNER
DRIVER distraction caused up to 11 crashes on a four-kilometre stretch of road in a dangerous chain reaction following a prang on the Monash Freeway.
Dandenong’s Acting Senior Sergeant Duncan Bartley said there were a dozen accidents city-bound on the Monash between Hallam and Clyde Roads, between 7-8.30pm, on Saturday, July 6.
Acting Senior Sergeant Bartley witnessed two of the crashes and urgeddrivers be more aware around collisions and crime scenes.
“People have been distracted. There were eight injury collisions and lots of damaged cars and delayed traffic.
“We want to reinforce that while emergency services are doing their jobs, drivers should pay due care and attention.
“Slow down, have a heightened sense of awareness and be mindful we have special roles and responsibilities.”
Acting Senior Sergeant Bartley said the multiple scenes and banked-up traffic stretched police attendance capacity.
He added that most of the accidents were “nose-to-tail”, although one vehicle was flipped on to its side.
“People are focused on their own goals and they don’t care about the victims. It happens all of the time.”
Although it wasn’t wet at the time of the collisions, Acting Senior Sergeant Bartley said at this time of the year, people should adjust their driving according to the environment.
