A YEAR after the death of his son at a notorious stretch of the Midland Highway, Paul Ruff is still searching for answers as to why.
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Matthew Ruff, 34, was killed when the car he was driving and a bus collided near Sulky in treacherous conditions on June 13 last year.
Mr Ruff, who himself has travelled along that stretch of the highway since 1969, was himself driving nearby that day when the crash happened about 3pm.
"On the day of the accident I was travelling to McCain and was listening to 774. The road was atrocious. The weather was deplorable. I missed the two Wendouree exits," he said.
"Around 3pm, as I pulled up at McCain I'd heard about the accident, this is only 10-20km from the actual scene. I had no idea Matt was near by.
"The police report the bus driver at first said he couldn't remember," he said. "Matthew is said to have crossed the double lines."
While the quest for truth continues, Mr Ruff is fighting to see median barriers placed on the dangerous stretch of road like those installed between Lancefield and Monegetta.
"This accident has not only affected our family it's affected many other families. There's so much trauma that the event has brought to many people," he said.
"I know the area where the accident happened has been dangerous for a very long time.
"I understand there had been some improvement programs which didn't include wire ropes down the middle of the road. Why is that?
"I don't like the way the fog line wire rope barriers have been installed, they haven't provided sufficient breaks for drivers to stop for comfort and fatigue breaks. However had there been a wire rope down the middle, Matthew would be alive today, there's no doubt about that."
Roads Minister Jaala Pulford said centreline barriers were initially proposed for the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Creswick, however Regional Roads Victoria's design and consultation process determined it was not the most suitable safety infrastructure for this stretch of road.
She said further investigation found that roadside embankments and property access along some sections of the highway, including at this location near Sulky, meant that centreline barrier was not suitable because there is not enough space to allow them to flex and absorb the force of a vehicle.
"My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim's family and friends - I know nothing will ever heal the pain caused by the loss a loved one," she said.
READ MORE: Crash highlights the need for upgrades
A year later, Mr Ruff said his family was still coming to terms with their loss.
"As he grew the little man was known for his smile, his loyalty, his happy nature, he loved people and animals and they loved him," he said.
"He played basketball, netball, footy and cricket, he loved the Roos, cycling, running and swimming were passions. Footy would end with knee surgery and this stopped his scuba diving."
"It's left us asking why, it tests everything and you've got to put it down to God's will. There's no explanation, that's why we hope something good, installing centre wire ropes on dangerous roads will come out of this."
*Clarification: The Victorian coroner has established a cause of death and collated evidence around the crash. Read it here. The Courier apologises for any confusion an earlier version of the story might have caused when the Coroner's report had not been made made public.
