THREE young children, including a 12-month old baby, escaped serious injury on Wednesday after the car they were travelling in rolled at Lal Lal.
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In an accident police said could have been fatal, the driver of the car, a woman in her 30s, was airlifted to a Melbourne hospital with arm, neck and possible spinal injuries.
The accident came as Victoria Police pleaded with drivers to take care on the roads over the Easter holiday period.
The car was travelling along the Clarendon-Lal Lal Road near Lal Lal when it lost control and rolled about 4pm.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said three children, aged about 12-months, six and eight, suffered cuts and abrasions.
Mr Mullen said the children were transported by ambulance to Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital where they were treated, mainly for shock.
The woman remained in a serious, but stable condition at the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Wednesday night.
Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill warned drivers to be vigilant at this time of year, with 20 people killed and more than 1300 injured over the Easter period between 2010 and 2014.
“With most Victorians enjoying a four-day weekend there will be a large increase in the number of people travelling on the road, which leads to increased risk of a collision,” he said.
“This increased risk was tragically highlighted during the recent Labour Day weekend when eight people died on our roads.”
“Fatigue is one of the biggest killers on our roads so I’m asking everyone to remember to be patient, take regular breaks, and share the driving if possible. There is no rush, the most important thing is that you get to your destination safely.”
Victoria Police will be out in force across the state until Monday, April 6.
As part of Operation Crossroads, police will target drink and drug-driving, speeding, fatigue, distraction, and not using seatbelts.
“You can be caught anywhere, anytime, so save yourself the fine and do the right thing,” Assistant Commissioner Hill said. “You never know, you may just save your life too.”
patrick.byrne@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Road tips for travel during Easter
• Map out your trip in advance and allow plenty of time to get there, including rest stops
• Take at least one break every two hours, and pull over for a power nap if you feel tired
• Share the driving and don’t drive at times you would normally be asleep, if possible
• Make sure your luggage is properly secured before you leave so it won’t move around
• Don’t drink any alcohol, even a small amount, before or during your road trip
