Father of hit-run victim Caleb Wesley backs road safety campaign in Teesdale
The father of a boy killed walking to a bus stops has opened up about the woman being investigated over his death almost two months after the alleged hit-run.
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The father of a schoolboy killed in Teesdale has opened up about the woman being probed over his death, and how a similar tragedy can be avoided in the future.
A police investigation remains ongoing into how Caleb Wesley, 6, was struck by a car on Bannockburn-Shelford Rd in March.
It is alleged he was hit by an elderly driver who left the scene and was arrested a short time later.
The 84-year-old has not been formally charged almost two months after the accident, with detectives remaining tight-lipped.
Surendra Wesley said any criminal proceedings would not change their position on what he described as “an unimaginable tragedy”.
“This woman didn’t wake up one morning and say she was going to kill a child today,” he said.
“It is unfortunate she was involved and this happened.”
It comes as the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety, Melissa Horne, confirmed speed limit changes from 60 km/h to a 40km/h on the same road his son died were in the works, however advocates say “it is still not enough.”
Andrea Bolton, who has petitioned for a pedestrian crossing outside the town’s general store and the speed limit reduction, said the changes did not include the area where Caleb was hit.
In a letter to her, Ms Horne said the department “is aiming to extend the 40 km/h school speed zone to incorporate the Teesdale general store and post office in the coming months.”
“This should assist in lowering speeds in the vicinity of the school and shop,” she said.
Ms Bolton said the extension “goes for a further 200 metres but it needs to be more.”
Teesdale local, Chris Burke, said there were numerous bus stops in that vicinity and eight in total.
“The bus drivers can’t see all the kids, there is a lot of activity every morning,” he said.
“There’s at least three times a day where a kid could get killed.
“It needs to be sorted.”
Mr Wesley said he backed the community campaign for the safety upgrades.
“I think it is important to have the 40 km/h zone extended and speed bumps introduced so people slow down,” he said.
“It will give an extra sense of security to parents and lessen the chance of these type of events ever happening again.”
The popular parish priest of the Leigh Presbyterian Church said his family turned to God to ease “what if” thoughts.
“I’ve tried not to think about if I could or should have walked him to the bus stop,” he said.
“He had been safely walking on his own with his siblings for over a year.
“The dangerous aspect of losing a loved one, and one that can lead to depression and even suicide, is by blaming yourself or others.
“We miss Caleb, we get together and cry... that is part of being human.
“But we are at peace.”
A Victoria Police spokesman said an investigation into his death was ongoing. The female driver has been assisting them with their inquiries.
A coronial probe will also take place.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000
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Originally published as Father of hit-run victim Caleb Wesley backs road safety campaign in Teesdale
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