A local family are thankful this week having escaped without harm following an incident where the vehicle they were travelling in suddenly span out of control when they tried to navigate a roundabout shortly after a downpour of rain.
Driving at less than 40 kilometres an hour, the accident occurred when Ruth Russell, her husband, their daughter and two young granddaughters were heading towards Airlie Beach and attempted to traverse the roundabout near Bunnings in Cannonvale.
“The police later said that a touch of rain makes the road very slippery after a long dry spell due to the accumulation of oil that builds up, so extra caution is needed especially on a roundabout or corner,” said Ruth.
In this case, when the vehicle suddenly started skidding, it began heading towards the central reservation and oncoming traffic.
Ruth’s daughter, who was driving at the time, overcorrected but the steering wheel locked, leaving them helpless and spinning out of control.
“It all felt like it was going in slow motion,” said Ruth.
“There was no gripping, just skidding and we careened straight off the road.”
The vehicle passed through the crash barrier and plummeted two metres into the grassland below.
“I’m very grateful that the railing gave way,” said Ruth.
“It slowed us down but didn’t stop us, otherwise it might have been a different outcome.
“My son was travelling in the car behind us, and he said it was terrifying to watch – we nose-dived off the edge!
“We are grateful to God the car didn’t turn over after crashing through the barrier.”
Once the vehicle came to a halt, staff from Bunnings and someone travelling behind them immediately raced over to check on their welfare.
Miraculously everyone was unharmed, although Ruth reported minor whiplash the following day.
The ambulance, police and fire brigade attended the scene and took charge.
Meanwhile, the Bunnings staff brought out ice blocks for the children, a box of teddy bears and some craft items.
“The loving response from many people who stopped to help was so touching,” said Ruth.
“We felt very looked after.”
The following week Ruth heard that this was not the first time there had been an accident at that location.
“The tow truck operator told us there had been a lot of accidents there because of the camber of the roundabout being really faulty,” she explained.
“Hopefully something can be done before anything worse happens.”
The Russell family are very grateful to everyone who helped on the day and decided to share their story hoping to raise awareness for other road users to take great care when driving at this time of year, especially after the rain.
The family’s vehicle plummeted over two metres off the edge of the road
People are advised to be extra vigilant driving after rain as oil on the road makes it very slippery
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