By Jed Lanyon
Seville East resident Sandy Ison recalls her experience travelling along the Warburton Highway, which includes being on the wrong end of three car accidents:
I’ve been hit three times trying to turn right off the highway.
The first accident happened when l was trying to turn right into Joyce Road and someone else was turning left into Sunnyside Road, so the cars coming up behind us had to slow or stop.
Just as I was making my turn a red P plater overtook my car and clipped my front end and sent my car spinning around. That car sped off.
My two children were in the car, they were in primary school at the time and we were coming home.
The second accident was about nine years ago, we had just bought ourselves a newer car and I decided it might be safer to turn in at Peters Road.
Again l was hit by a red P plater, two four wheel drives went around me, but because of the crest of the road and the driver traveling too close to the cars in front, he saw me too late.
You spend more time watching your rear view mirror than looking for a break in the traffic.
The third accident happened in January which ended with me in hospital for two days and the Warburton Highway closed for several hours.
I still find this one hard to talk about. It nearly took me away from my family. I will not turn right in Seville East anymore to get home.
I turn left into Old Warburton Highway, and turn around so I can then sit safely to cross over when it is clear. Even this can be stressful.
Personally I have given this road five years to be fixed. If it’s not, I am seriously thinking of leaving the area.
Seville East is a neglected community, there are no safe paths to the bus stops, kids have to walk along the highway verges to get to one, there are no pathways connecting us to the Seville township or the Warburton Trail down Sunnyside Road.
We are a forgotten community.
– Sandy Ison, Joyce Road.
In Sandy’s third accident, she suffered a cut to her scalp that required eight staples, a fractured rib, significant bruising, a few other cuts and bad whiplash. She still receives ongoing treatment to her back.
As Seville East residents continue to push for safety upgrades on the Warburton Highway, the Mail will share stories from the people who use the road every day.
To share your story, email jed.lanyon@mailnewsgroup.com.au.
