By JESSE GRAHAM
Police say a man injured in a single car crash would not have been so seriously hurt if he had been wearing a seat belt.
The driver of the car, a 47-year-old Melbourne man, was taken to The Alfred hospital by air ambulance with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The crash on Chum Creek Rood happened about 2.30pm on Friday 21 February when a car collided with a tree between Mount Lebanon Road and Ryans Road.
Traffic was blocked toward Toolangi for about half an hour and CFA crews diverted traffic along Ryan’s Road, until the site of the crash was cleared and the road was opened about 3pm.
Healesville police Senior Constable Kirsty Swankie said on Monday that the man was recovering well although he could have avoided being so badly hurt.
“Our investigations point to him not wearing a seatbelt, which was a contributor to more serious injuries,” Sen Const Swankie said.
“It’s a timely reminder to everybody that wearing a seatbelt is beneficial – (the driver’s injuries) wouldn’t have been as bad if he was wearing one.”
Police, SES and ambulance crews all attended the incident.
Police are still investigating the cause of the accident and would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Healesville police on 5962 4422.
