Albany family shaken after Father’s Day caravan crash scare

An Albany family of five are thanking their lucky stars after their car and caravan veered off Bussell Highway near Augusta on Father’s Day. Craig Smith and his partner Anita Waru-Bridge were on their way home from a funeral with their three children when they skidded off the highway, causing their caravan to swing from behind and collide with their car. Mr Smith said he saw his life flash before his eyes. “There was absolutely nothing I could do about it,” he said. “When they say your life flashes before your eyes, it literally does. “I just thought that was the end. It happened so fast I just didn’t have time to do anything. “The kids screaming — you just can’t get that out of your head. “You wouldn’t want anyone to go through that.” A shaken Mr Smith is now calling on Main Roads WA to resurface the road. “I want to see that road fixed as soon as possible because someone is going to die,” he said. “It needs to be flagged and made a priority. “I don’t want another family or anyone to have to go through this.” Mr Smith said despite taking the necessary precautions before setting off and driving below the speed limit, the wet weather made conditions dangerous. “There is no traction on the road, it is basically black ice — it is as smooth as anything,” he said. “You add water to that and it is just a recipe for disaster.” Their three children escaped injury, but Mr Smith and Ms Waru-Bridge were taken to hospital in an ambulance. “I think someone had been watching over us considering we just went to a funeral and we were just lucky they weren’t hurt at all,” he said. Ms Waru-Bridge is out of work for another two weeks after suffering a fractured rib and swelling to her spine. The crash has left the family with no income, after Mr Smith recently lost his job. With their vehicle written off and caravan destroyed and looted, the family have started an online fundraiser. They are aiming to raise $5000 to help them recoup costs. “We are people that never ask anyone for help. But we are struggling with everything that has been thrown at us,” Mr Smith said. Main Roads WA was contacted for comment. If you would like to donate, visit bit.ly/2E0QpXS.