Winter weather a potential hazard Wood transport no excuse

ly, I had to transport some wood’.”

On the second occasion, Mr Stephenson was caught driving a Ford Territory without number plates or a licence at around 4.45 am, while on bail with a curfew condition that said he was not to be out past midnight.

Victorians are being urged to prioritise road safety and remain cautious of changing conditions this winter holiday period.

Following a tragic beginning to school holidays on Victorian roads, the Transport Accident Commission is reminding motorists to remain vigilant as the winter months can bring unpredictable road conditions.

With 154 lives lost on the state’s roads this year, authorities are calling for caution on the roads, with winter weather bringing potential hazards like black ice, fog, rain, and landslides.

Less than a week into the winter school holiday period, six lives have already been lost on Victorian roads – more than half of the total number of people (10) who died on Victorian roads during the 2022 mid-year school holidays.

TAC Acting CEO, Tony Dudley, warned of the challenging driving conditions that winter weather can bring and urged road users to keep safety front of mind at all times.

“These school holidays and beyond, we encourage motorists to stay alert, and plan their journeys ahead of time – in bad weather or unfamiliar surroundings, sticking to main roads and highways can be a safe option,” Mr Dudley said.

“It’s always best to try and avoid driving in severe weather but, if we find ourselves in difficult conditions, it is safest to slow down, be patient, be visible and look out for others on the roads.”

With shorter days and darker conditions, it’s also critical that motorists use their headlights in low light and be vigilant of other road users – while cyclists and pedestrians are encouraged to be visible through safe road positioning, wearing bright or reflective clothing when riding, and always crossing at the safest point.

Drivers are also encouraged to regularly inspect tires, brakes, lights, and wipers, and consider snow tires or chains for enhanced grip on slippery surfaces.

“It’s been a tragic year on our roads and, regardless of weather conditions, our message is to always put safety first when behind the wheel – the choices we make could be the reason we and others get home safely,” Mr Dudley said.

Victoria Police will continue to have a strong presence on the roads these school holidays, with a particular focus on risk-taking behaviours like speed, drink and drug driving, distractions, seatbelt non-compliance and fatigue.

To further support enforcement efforts, the Transport Accident Commission’s current campaign ‘Anywhere, Anytime, Anyone’ is highly visible across the state, deterring road users from engaging in unsafe behaviours –reminding people that if they take risks on the road, they will get caught.

Victorians will continue to see and hear this campaign on billboards, television, radio and digital platforms across the state over the coming months.

By Lachlan Ellis

Taking wood to his uncle’s place in Lara has not gotten a Bacchus Marsh driver off the hook for disqualified driving, and breaching a COVID stay-at-home order in the process.

Three matters concerning Craig Stephenson came before the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 30 June, with Mr Stephenson pleading guilty to driving while disqualified, breaching a COVID stay-at-home order, and breaching bail.

“On the 7th of June 2021 at around 8.30 pm, police observed the accused driving a Holden Commodore, towing a trailer on Bacchus Marsh Road in Balliang. He was intercepted by police, checks revealed he was a disqualified driver. He was disqualified at the Werribee Magistrates Court in 2019 from obtaining a licence for a period of 4 years,” Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Sinfield said.

“The accused informed police he was transporting a large quantity of wood, was not aware of COVID restrictions in place…due to poor weather at time, and the accused transporting his heavily pregnant girlfriend, police did not impound the vehicle, and he was released pending summons.

“When asked his reason for driving while disqualified he said ‘No reason real-

Finally, on the third occasion, Mr Stephenson was intercepted on the 11th of May last year under the same disqualification period, in an unregistered Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the registration having expired on 30 January 2022.

“He acknowledged he didn’t have a licence…the reason for driving unregistered ‘driving my dog to the vet’,” Leading Senior Constable Sinfield said.

Mr Stephenson said he had been “stuck out on a farm since I got out of jail in November 2021”, and his dogs had cost him $20,000 in vet fees, with one of them having “gotten out and lost an eye”.

He told Magistrate Simon Zebrowski of the difficulties he had faced in life, including having a special needs child who needed special care, and having lived in a caravan with no running water, using a generator for power.

The Magistrate took sympathy with Mr Stephenson’s personal circumstances, choosing not to apply a heavy penalty.

“I’m going to convict and fine you a limited sum of $500. I’m not going to affect your licence, because it’s probably in your best interest to do something and get your licence and drive, but not keep getting into trouble,” the Magistrate said.

“And when you drive a car, make sure it’s got number plates on it too.”

Letters to the Editor

Writing letters to the Editor

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Dear Editor,

Roses to Council for finally getting the bus stop and shelter installed on Griffith Street opposite Providence Village. This is now widely used by the community.

Except, how are the elderly to cross the road without the pedestrian refuge, that was also earmarked for installation.

Come on Council, finish the job.

Sylvia Merry, Maddingley