Rubberneck car smashes

DISTRACTED drivers are putting emergency services and victims at risk.
Dandenong Acting Senior Sergeant Duncan Bartley is pleading for motorists to “pay due care and attention” after more than 12 collisions occurred around an initial three-car crash on the Monash Freeway on 6 July.
“It happens all of the time,” he said.
“People are so focussed on their own goal or needs that they don’t care about our victims.”
Act Sen Sgt Bartley said several drivers let their attention drift to VicRoads vehicles, tow trucks, police and ambulances between Belgrave-Hallam and Clyde roads, from 7pm and 8.30pm.
Multiple nose-to-tail collisions resulted.
One car flipped sideways, eight people suffered injuries and traffic came to a standstill.
“It’s a distraction for us,” he said.
“It makes our job more difficult. We have a responsibility to preserve scenes.
“We have specific roles and responsibilities.”
Act Sen Sgt Bartley said it restricted emergency vehicle access and placed lives at risk.
“That poses a major threat to us,” he said.
He said his advice applied to all crime scenes, particularly with low light and wet weather during winter.
“It’s pertinent that they slow down and have a heightened sense of awareness,” he said.
“You’ve got to adjust your driving according to the conditions.”