Marong incident brings a timely reminder for all

THE accident near Marong yesterday was a tragic scenario.A young schoolboy struck by a car in a 100kmh speed zone on a country road.It’s almost unbelievable that he would survive such an impact.To hear paramedics talk of the young boy’s bravery in chatting to them while they treated him on the road was amazing.Last night the boy was in a serious condition in the Royal Children’s Hospital. No doubt the Marong community and everyone who has learned of this horrific happening will be wishing for his full recovery.The accident will long play on the minds of the family members who witnessed it and those who later arrived at the scene to see the young boy being treated and transferred to the air ambulance.The events will also play heavily on the mind of the young driver who appears to have been guilty of being simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.It’s natural for him to blame himself for the accident, but witness accounts appear to suggest even a driver of great experience could not have avoided the inevitable collision.We can only hope in time the driver comes to realise this.It’s safe to assume this young boy has crossed that road many times without incident. Why did it go all wrong yesterday? Hundreds of children get on and off school buses on these country roads every school day across central Victoria. Hopefully, from the terrible happenings of yesterday will come a message for all to hear loud and clear.A lesson for drivers to expect the unexpected when passing a school bus on country backroads or around city streets.A reminder for all students that it’s important to take care when crossing the road after getting off a bus.It’s a message everyone needs to remember each and every day.