A MULWALA P-plater died after her car crashed into a tree on the Murray Valley Highway yesterday morning — the third death on the region’s roads in four days.
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The crash occurred about 8.40am on the highway between Yarrawonga and Cobram, near the Cemetery Road intersection.
Acting Superintendent David Ryan, of Wangaratta police, said the young woman was driving towards Cobram when she crossed onto the other side of the road and hit a tree.
“There are no skid marks and nothing to suggest any evasive action,” he said.
Police may never know why the young woman died but they were looking at fatigue and distraction.
The death would cause a ripple-effect through the Yarrawonga and Mulwala communities.
“She’s a local girl, she’s going to be known by lots and lots of kids there. It’s going to affect people,” Supt Ryan said.
A Tungamah woman, 47, was killed on Friday morning on the Yarrawonga-Benalla Road when her car left the road, climbed an embankment, was thrown 10 metres into a paddock and burst into flames.
A 39-year-old father of four from Tallygaroopna was killed 1½ hours later when his truck, loaded with grain, hit a tree near Tungamah.
Supt Ryan urged drivers to be cautious on the roads during the Christmas period.
He said police were in the midst of Operation RAID — part of the Summer Stay campaign that runs until January 9 and aims to keep people safe on the roads.
RAID targets drink and drug-drivers.