Road’s death toll climbs
A MAN has died from his injuries after a crash last month on a stretch of road that has now claimed five lives this year.
A 64-year-old died in hospital after the multi-vehicle collision on Thompson Rd, in North Geelong.
He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries as a result of the crash and died last Saturday.
The smash happened when four vehicles travelling south collided near Sharon Court about 11.20am on July 4.
The female passenger of one of the vehicles, a 58-yearold Norlane woman, was taken to hospital where she later died.
Two other vehicles, a truck and van, occupants.
They were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The truck driver, a 50-yearold Belmont man, stopped at the scene and has been assisting police with their inquiries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are continuing to investigate.
A 2.5km stretch of Thompson Rd — including a slice of its Shannon Ave continuation — has been the scene of multiple accidents this year, including five fatalities.
Geelong Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sargeant Peter contained single Quick said fatal accidents were up 60 per cent in Geelong.
Sen-Sgt Quick said this was largely due to the “terrible accidents” on Thompson’s Rd.
“But as a whole the area is doing really well,” he said.
“Serious injuries are down 12 per cent in the Geelong PSA.
“Overall in western region division one we’re down 40 per cent on fatals.”
Sen-Sgt Quick said police had increased patrols along Thompson Rd to combat dangerous driving.
“We’ve upped our patrols and are tasked to it,” he said.
“The evidence seems to state people are turning right across it to get into businesses.”
Sen-Sgt Quick said police were also gearing up to conduct alcohol and drug tests during the Grand Final weekend as part of Operation Scoreboard.
TAC data shows 176 people have died on Victorian roads in the year to date, up 47.9 per cent on last year.
Anyone with information who saw the collision or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au