By Cam Lucadou-Wells
PLEASE think of the consequences.
That’s the heart-wrenching advice to young drivers and passengers from a distraught family member mourning Dru Peterson, 17, who was fatally injured in a horrific crash on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road, Narre Warren South, on 5 November.
“Definitely think through the consequences – before you act, not after,” Dru’s aunty Heidi Samason said.
About 7.30pm, the allegedly stolen silver Kia packed with six teenagers allegedly ran two red lights, clipped another vehicle, hit a power pole, flipped and skidded 100 metres down the road.
The car was allegedly stolen during a burglary on 1 November in the south-eastern suburbs.
Police believe the same car was involved in theft of alcohol from a shop on the night of the crash.
The Narre Warren South 15-year-old boy driving the car has since been charged with 13 offences including theft, burglary and culpable driving.
A 15-year-old Hampton Park girl and a 19-year-old man have been released pending summons for motor vehicle theft.
Dru’s older brother Josiah said his bereaved Dandenong family had been further hurt by “judging” comments on social media.
Some of the unsympathetic comments highlighted the dangers of such joy-riding to other motorists and had no sympathy for Dru nor family members.
The family has denied Dru was part of the Apex Gang, and had made the costly mistake of getting into the car “at the wrong place, at the wrong time”.
Victoria Police has reportedly stated that some of the car’s occupants were known to police and part of the gang.
Josiah had known the driver.
“I didn’t know (Dru) even knew him. They were never friends,” Josiah said.
Josiah said Dru was a fun-loving teen who simply liked to hang with his friends.
He hoped that an 18-year-old Dandenong man, who was also airlifted to The Alfred and remains in a critical condition, pulled through.
“Just don’t go speeding, run red lights, drive unlicensed in a stolen car … ”
Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan, who is also Narre Warren North MP, said the crash was a “tragic reminder that inexperience and speed can have deadly consequences”.
“I implore everyone to take extra care and caution on the road as we lead up to Christmas.
“Police are doing all they can to reduce this type of behaviour amongst our youth.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Dru Peterson’s family, and to the loved ones of the other children involved during this difficult time.”
Inspector John Cormack, of Victoria Police, said: “This crash involves many factors including youth, inexperience, and speed, and it has to stop.
“This didn’t need to happen and risks to communities, themselves and other road users, and it’s hurting our kids.”
