Loss upon loss made me question everything – Kerry’s story
After suffering the loss of her family in a car crash Kerry wondered how she would go on
It’s been 20 years since the incident that killed my four-year-old daughter and husband, but I can still hear the screech of truck tyres and feel the impact of the crash. On that fateful day, my husband Rick, our daughter Shani, and I were returning home to Berwick from our Wilsons Promontory campsite when we realised we had forgotten our tent. Despite having only slept for an hour after his night shift, Rick decided to drive us back to retrieve it.
The event that changed everything
Rick fell asleep momentarily near Stoney Creek, and our car crashed head-on into a logging truck. Rick and Shani died instantly, while I was trapped in the car for an agonising 1½ hours, fully conscious, before being airlifted to the hospital. My femur broke in three places, my wrist in six, and my liver was lacerated. During my months in rehab, I had to relearn how to walk, talk, and eat.
Six months after the crash, I returned home for the first time, wheeled in with legs still bruised and bones healing. It was exactly like it was the morning I left. My daughter’s toys were all over the floor, my husband’s boots were at the front door, and our bed was unmade because we left that morning in a hurry. I had to see all the different things and know they weren’t there anymore.
Shani was about to start school the following year, our Christmas tree was nearly ready to go up, and I had presents for her on lay-by. Rick had just been promoted to after-hours manager. My whole world was gone.
Questioning every move
Getting the coroner’s letter saying that my husband’s fatigue caused the crash is something I will never come to terms with. Why didn’t I drive that day? ‘What if’ is another one—What if we hadn’t forgotten the tent? What if we hadn’t gone camping?
If my story can help prevent road trauma from impacting another family like mine, I will feel that something positive has come out of something so tragic. This is why I volunteer with Amber Community and share my story in their education program. When I tell my story, it makes participants stop and think about their driving behaviours. They might think speeding or drink driving is okay, but these actions can kill a family just like mine, and it is a life sentence.
Volunteering makes a difference
In 2020, I was honoured to be made a life member for my work with Amber Community, which I have been a part of for over 15 years. I want to make a difference.
Working with the Road Trauma Awareness Seminar program has become a significant part of my life. Every month, I volunteer at Narre Warren, sharing my story in hopes of making a difference. The lived experience volunteer talk is crucial, highlighting the profound ripple effect a road crash can have on countless lives. The impact isn’t just on those directly involved but also on their parents, grandparents, friends, work colleagues, emergency services, witnesses to the crash, first responders, hospital staff, rehab workers, lawyers—the list goes on and on.
Over time, I’ve received hugs from participants, seen their tears, and been thanked many times for sharing my experiences. These moments are deeply moving and affirm the importance of this work.
Through my volunteering with Amber Community, I’ve formed lifelong friendships and met many fascinating people, including police officers, ambulance drivers, and firefighters. Each interaction has enriched my understanding and strengthened my resolve to contribute to road safety.
One of my most cherished events is the annual Shine a Light on Road Safety community walk around Albert Park Lake. It’s a time for us to come together, share stories about our loved ones, and raise money for the Amber Community—a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose during this event is truly inspiring.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak on television for the Transport Accident Commission, where I discussed the life-altering consequences of road crashes. Sharing my story on such a platform was daunting, but it felt necessary.
Small steps towards hope
I do all this with a single goal: to make our roads safer.
Every talk, every walk, and every moment spent volunteering is a step toward that goal. It’s my way of contributing to a cause I deeply believe in, and I will continue to dedicate myself to this mission for as long as I can.
Let’s all make a difference and ensure our family and friends can get behind the wheel safely tomorrow, the next day, and every day after that. Think about your driving behaviour—it could save lives.
Our history
Amber Community was founded in 1994 by a small group of people whose lives had been directly impacted by road trauma. These people understood the need for a specialist service where support could be offered to those who, like them, were suffering because of the injury or loss of a loved one on the roads. They joined with professionals working in the area to provide counselling and support.
From this humble beginning in 1994, Amber Community has grown to offer state-wide counselling and support to people affected by a road incident. Amber Community now comprises a team of staff and volunteers who provide support and education services to more than 10,000 people annually.
Amber Community is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing road incident support and education for the safety and wellbeing of road users. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to continue delivering this vital service. Learn more about our mission and consider making a donation to help us create safer roads for everyone.
