April 7, 2025

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A 42-year-old woman from Winter Valley has been charged with dangerous driving causing death following a crash in Lucas, Ballarat , on August 10, 2024 . The collision, which occurred at approximately 7:00 pm , resulted in the death of her 6-year-old passenger and injuries to three others.

The woman is scheduled to appear in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 .

Details of the Crash

  • Crash Date: Friday, August 10, 2024 (7:00 pm).
  • Location: Carngham Road, near Finchs Road, Lucas, Ballarat.
  • Vehicles Involved: A car driven by the 42-year-old woman and a Toyota.
  • Victims:
    • A 6-year-old child, declared deceased at the scene.
    • A 13-year-old child, airlifted to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
    • The 42-year-old driver and a 78-year-old Toyota driver (from Haddon): both treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Charges and Legal Proceedings
The woman faces charges including:

  • Dangerous driving causing death.
  • Driving with an unrestrained child.
  • Additional unspecified offenses related to the crash.

She was granted bail and is required to appear in court on April 8, 2025 .

Emergency Response
Paramedics and police attended the scene. The 6-year-old child died at the scene, while the 13-year-old was airlifted to a hospital. The drivers of both vehicles were treated for injuries and transported to medical facilities.

Community Impact
The crash has deeply affected the Ballarat community, particularly due to the loss of a young life. Local residents have expressed concern over road safety in the area, especially regarding child restraints and driver responsibility.

Police Investigation
The Victoria Police conducted a thorough investigation into the crash, focusing on:

  • The driver’s actions leading up to the collision.
  • Adherence to road rules, including child restraint laws.
  • Potential factors such as speed, distraction, or impairment.

Authorities emphasized the importance of securing children in vehicles and maintaining safe driving practices.

Appeal for Information
Police continue to appeal for witnesses or dashcam/CCTV footage from the Carngham Road area around 7:00 pm on August 10, 2024, to assist with their ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:

Road Safety Context
This incident highlights the critical importance of:

  • Properly restraining children in vehicles as per legal requirements.
  • Adhering to speed limits and avoiding distractions while driving.

Authorities urge drivers to prioritize safety, particularly in areas with high pedestrian or residential traffic.