Police believe the man’s blue Subaru Liberty had a mechanical failure as he approached the intersection of Upper California Gully Road from Stone Street. 

The truck was travelling uphill in a 60 kilometre per hour zone and was unable to stop when the blue car came into moving traffic. 

Police believe both vehicles were travelling within the speed limit. 

Two ambulances were at the scene and at 5.35pm the young man was taken to hospital.  

Highway Patrol Senior Constable Steve Bice said the driver’s injuries appeared superficial and the check-up was precautionary. 

The truck driver was uninjured. His vehicle received only minor damage and he drove away from the scene after assisting police with their inquires.

Senior Constable Bice said the Subaru appeared to be a write-off, but that the young man had had a lucky escape.

“It appeared to be a lot worse than what it was and it seems, at this stage, that he was pretty fortunate,” he said.