By LAURA WAKELY
BRIMBANK drivers could be the most irresponsible, with more than 400 hit and runs in the police service area last year.
A Star investigation found there were 464 hit and run collisions last year, which included 31 incidents where a person was injured.
Last week police were shocked after security footage revealed five drivers swerved around a man as he lay critically injured moments after a hit run on Durham Rd in Sunshine last Monday night.
Investigators say the man was hit by a white or silver Mercedes sedan with a sunroof and mag wheels, which then drove off, leaving the man bleeding on the street.
The 26-year-old Sunshine man was taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where he was placed in an induced coma and found to have serious head injuries, internal bleeding and broken bones.
Police are also searching for the drivers of a white Toyota Avalon sedan and a gold Toyota Camry sedan believed to have been travelling behind the Mercedes.
The cars stopped for a short time before driving away.
Brimbank Highway Patrol Sergeant Rod Stein said he couldn’t understand how people could drive off after a collision and admitted he was “surprised” by the 464 hit and runs recorded in Brimbank last year.
“The vast majority are low-speed, car-park type collisions,” Sgt Stein said.
“People don’t want to own up to what they’ve done and don’t want to face the consequences of their actions
“Stopping and putting your hand up and saying ‘I did it, I’m sorry, wouldn’t cost you much’.”
He said collision investigators could trace vehicles through security footage, tyre marks and debris, with severe penalties for hit and run drivers.
“There’s a reasonable steep fine and possible loss of licence (for a non-injury hit and run),” he said.
“But when someone is hurt… you do face jail time and can lose your licence for a fairly long time.”
Sgt Stein said police were relieved to hear the victim of last week’s hit and run collision was recovering.
No driver had come forward as Star went to print.
Anyone else who witnessed the incident or with any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
