By Kath Gannaway
Police have not completely ruled out speed as a factor in a log truck roll over in Chum Creek on Saturday morning … but say it’s more speed, not less, that was needed.
Yarra Junction Police Sergeant Kevin Largue said a little more speed might have averted the slow-motion topple which saw the truck lose its load on the corner of the Healesville-Kinglake and Healesville Yarra Glen roads around 9.30am on Saturday, 22 July.
“The truck’s stopped up at the intersection to give way to traffic and as he’s started to pull out the back wheels of the trailer fell into the culvert,” Sgt Largue said.
“If he’d had momentum … if he was moving, it would not have happened.
“Because he’s stopped the back of trailer toppled and pulled the rest over.”
The Yarra Valley driver had to kick open the passenger-side window to get out of the truck.
Fortunately, he escaped injured, apart from a self-confessed dent to his pride after 30 years’ driving trucks.
Traffic was diverted around the crash scene for several hours, and again, speed came into play.
Sgt Largue said with flashing lights from CFA, SES and Police units lighting up the intersection, most people were observing the new slow to 40km/h rule.
“I think it will probably take while for the message to filter through that you need to slow down in situations like this, but in the main most people are complying,” he said.
