A Newnham man with multiple sclerosis who was knocked from his mobility scooter by a car has one message for drivers - be aware of your surroundings.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Neil Priestley was on his way to buy groceries with his wife on Saturday, November 30 when the crash occurred.
Where Alanvale Road meets George Town Road, Mr Priestly said a car rushed through the roundabout, mounted the kerb and came onto the footpath.
IN OTHER NEWS:
While his wife and their dog were able to jump out of the way, Mr Priestley said he was unable to do anything but watch as the car came towards him.
"I remember it coming, but I couldn't do anything. There was nothing I could do but brace," he said.
"I managed to get my left leg out of the way. If I hadn't done that it would have been crushed."
The force of the crash sent the 60-year-old flying out of his mobility scooter, which was left almost completely destroyed.
Mr Priestley was taken to Launceston General Hospital where he was told he had fractured his back. Now at home recovering, he said the ordeal had left him shaken.
"I am suffering and in constant pain, but I have been told I should start to feel better in a week," he said.
"It's a shame because the wheelchair finally meant I was able to get out of the house and do things."
A Tasmania Police spokesperson confirmed police responded to the crash, with investigations into the cause continuing.
"A man in a wheelchair had been struck by a vehicle," the spokesperson said.
"He was taken to the LGH as a precaution. Police thank witnesses and bystanders who provided assistance to the victim until emergency services arrived."
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease that affects the central nervous system, especially the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves.
Mr Priestley said he started experiencing symptoms in 2001, but didn't get his diagnosis until 2003. While he has no bad feelings towards the driver involved, he said he hoped his story would encourage others to be more cautious on the road.
"I have no hard feelings about it all," he said.
"If people read this, I just hope they think twice the next time they see someone in a wheelchair."
We're raising funds for four Tasmanian charities as part of our Empty Stocking Appeal. Can you help?