By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
As 2024 came to a close, it’s time to reflect on the issue of the year: the roads.
In the Dandenong Ranges, the rising frequency of accidents and ongoing road safety concerns have dominated local headlines, prompting urgent calls for change.
From tragic fatalities to near-miss incidents, many roads in the area, particularly those in Monbulk, Emerald, and surrounding areas, have proven hazardous for both residents and visitors alike.
In 2024, the region saw a concerning rise in road incidents, with many accidents occurring on the winding and often narrow roads of Monbulk, Emerald, and the surrounding areas.
The year started with tragedy, as 22-year-old Elias Gerovasilis, a recent graduate from the police academy, lost his life in a tragic motorcycle crash on Beaconsfield-Emerald Road on 6 August.
Elias was part of a group of motorcyclists when he lost control of his bike and collided with a tree. His death sparked an outpouring of grief from the community and led to calls for increased motorcycle training and road safety awareness.
His parents, Bill and Janine Gerovasilis, became vocal advocates for better rider education and awareness, hoping to spare other families the unimaginable pain they now carry.
“We hope telling our story can at least save one person,” said Janine Gerovasilis, reflecting the deep sense of loss and the desire to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The rise in motorcycle accidents in the region was part of a broader pattern of road safety issues.
Monbulk Road, a main thoroughfare connecting many local communities, has seen a series of incidents, some of which have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
Long-time resident Coralie Jenkins, who has lived on Monbulk Road for over four decades, shared her growing concern for the safety of the road.
“The accidents have just been ongoing,” Ms Jenkins said, noting that she and her neighbours often rushed out to assist victims after crashes.
Monbulk Road has been particularly prone to accidents during wet weather, with cars often losing control on sharp bends.
Despite lowering the speed limit and installing barriers to prevent cars from rolling into nearby creeks, the accidents have continued.
In April, a car rolled over near the entrance to Kays Picnic Ground, and though the driver was unharmed, it was another reminder of the dangers that residents face.
Ms Jenkins has called for barriers to be extended past her driveway, where cars frequently veer off the road.
“It would prevent cars from going over the edge,” she said.
The Department of Transport and Planning has acknowledged the concerns of residents, stating that road safety remains a top priority and that they are continuing to monitor the situation.
However, many locals feel that more urgent action is needed to improve road safety measures, particularly in high-risk areas like Monbulk Road.
In recent months, a series of crashes highlighted the ongoing vulnerability of the area.
A fatal single-vehicle crash in late 2022, in which a 41-year-old man died after his Honda sedan veered off the road and hit a tree, reinforced the need for improved road safety.
It wasn’t just motorcyclists and car drivers who were at risk.
In December, a motorcyclist in his 20s was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital after a crash on Monbulk-Silvan Road.
Fortunately, the rider was in stable condition, but the crash was another reminder of the unpredictable and hazardous conditions that make the area so dangerous for road users.
Local authorities have continued to investigate multiple accidents throughout the year, urging witnesses to come forward with any information or dashcam footage.
Despite the efforts to improve road safety, including the installation of barriers and the reduction of speed limits, the tragic events of 2024 have led many to question whether enough is being done to protect drivers and riders.
With more accidents occurring on narrow, winding roads and a rise in fatalities, the community is calling for further action from local authorities.
Residents like Ms Jenkins, who have witnessed accidents for decades, feel that the current measures aren’t enough.
“We’ve tried contacting VicRoads to report incidents, but the call-wait times are too long,” she said.
“It would be good to see more pressure put on VicRoads from insurance companies and the community to address the problem more urgently.”
Throughout the year, local police and emergency services have responded to numerous crashes, and the importance of road safety has been a constant theme.
But as the community reflects on the past year, it’s clear that more needs to be done to prevent further loss of life.
“Safety is our number one priority,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Planning, who acknowledged the ongoing concerns but emphasised that road users must take responsibility for their own safety.
For many in the Dandenong Ranges, the hope is that 2025 will bring greater attention to the safety issues that continue to plague local roads.
With the rise in traffic and the ongoing risks presented by local road conditions, residents and families are calling for more robust measures to ensure that future years do not repeat the tragedies of 2024.
In a year marked by heartbreak and frustration, the message is clear: safer roads are needed, now more than ever, to prevent further accidents and save lives.
