By Lia Bichel
Friday. A bystander comforts the trapped woman on Princes Highway near Hallam. 41997
A TWENTY-three-year-old woman was lucky to survive a hit and run that left her trapped inside her car last week.
On 22 January, about 11.40pm Ambulance Victoria, police, fire-fighters from Hallam and rescue crews from Dandenong were called to a roll-over on Princes Highway, Hallam.
Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) Acting Sergeant Allen Inderwisch said the woman attempted to change lanes when her Ford Laser was struck by a truck and flipped onto its roof.
The driver of the truck didn’t stop.
Dandenong fire officer Daryl Owen said the woman was trapped inside the car for about 15 minutes before being rescued by fire-fighters.
The woman was given oxygen, a heart monitor, bandages for the bleeding and pain relief. She was also strapped to a spine board to prevent further injuries.
She was treated by paramedics and taken by ambulance to The Alfred hospital in serious but stable condition. Act Sgt Inderwisch advised drivers to be cautious on the roads, especially when travelling near trucks.
“People need to be wary,” he said.
“They shouldn’t stick too close to the rear of trucks and should avoid sitting in their blind spots. Drivers should make sure they sit far enough back to see the truck driver’s face in the mirror. If you can see him, he can see you. Otherwise, they simply don’t know you are there.”
Act Sgt Inderwisch said given the extent of damage to the vehicle, the truck driver would have known he had hit the car.
He urged the truck driver to come forward or for anyone with information to contact the Casey Traffic Management Unit (TMU) on 5991 0600.
