By ANEEKA SIMONIS
MOTORISTS were forced to swerve to safety as a crazed driver sped along the wrong side of the road in Officer.
And the dangerous, chaotic scenes all unfolded in front of police officers – who later discovered the suspected stolen car abandoned close by.
Princes Highway was thrown into complete bedlam, about 7.50am on Thursday 21 April, when a white Nissan Skyline somehow made its way onto the wrong road, speeding directly into traffic travelling from Officer toward Pakenham.
One motorist told the Gazette he was travelling with his son in the front passenger seat when he saw the wild driver coming toward him.
Motorists were forced to steer toward the opposite lane of traffic to avoid the motorist, who then began speeding along the grassy nature strip.
Another Pakenham-bound motorist who witnessed the terrifying scene said he was locked between two trucks, one in front and another to his side, limiting his ability to get out of the driver’s way.
“Some cars began moving into the left hand lane and banging on their horns,” said Beaconsfield resident Andy Jukes.
“The driver was going pretty quick … maybe 70km/h to 80km/h.”
It’s believed the car hastily changed lanes and began travelling headlong towards oncoming traffic after detecting police parked at Botanic Drive in Pakenham.
Pakenham police Senior Sergeant Graeme Stanley said the car was later found abandoned next to Arena Shopping Centre.
Sen Sgt Stanley said the driver was thought to have fled on foot. He is yet to be located.
The white Nissan Skyline was reported as stolen.
No vehicle damage was reported following the bizarre road incident. The Cardinia Highway Patrol is investigating.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
