‘The last thing I remember was waking up in hospital,’ student Oscar Mugerwa says

Student Oscar Mugerwa says one bad mistake nearly cost his and his mate’s lives when he wrapped his car around a pole – now he wants to warn others.

Crash victim Oscar Mugerwa is speaking out about his crash to warn others. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Oscar Mugerwa knows he was stupid, and that one bad decision nearly cost him his life, and that of his friend.

The third-year construction management student from Parkville was on a night out drinking with friends last year and after catching an Uber to his house, later decided to drive a mate home.

“I thought I was all good and got in the car with him and then the last thing I remember was waking up in hospital,’’ he said.

“I later found out that I was detected going between 120 and 140 km/h, and wrapped my car around a pole on Murray Rd in Preston.’’

The wreckage of the car which Oscar Mugerwa was driving on Murray Rd.
Pic: Safer Walking and Riding for Murray Rd

Mr Mugerwa and his mate survived but the 23-year-old endured 20 surgeries and the lower part of his right leg was amputated.

His mate recovered and they are still friends.

Mr Mugerwa wants his mistake to act as a warning, as Victoria Police launch its statewide Christmas road safety blitz.

“I made a mistake, and if I can change someone else’s life … that’s the whole objective. It’s definitely not fun going through this. And it affects your friends, your family, affects everyone.’’

Mr Mugerwa after having a partial amputation.

Mr Mugerwa is now in rehab at the Epworth. Picture: Brendan Beckett

Police Operation Roadwise starts on Friday and will run for an extended 20-day period.

Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing Glenn Weir urged all motorists to make road safety a priority.

“The last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse.

“December is a high-risk period on our roads – we know there is a significant risk associated with impaired driving and we also see an influx of traffic as people head on holidays.’’

Police will focus on impaired driving and will operate booze and drug testing daily.

During last year’s operation, 17 people died and 7631 speeding offences were recorded.

Mr Mugerwa was charged and sentenced.

Along with fines and a licence cancellation, he has to perform 350 hours of community service.

Originally published as ‘The last thing I remember was waking up in hospital,’ student Oscar Mugerwa says