Central Ave runs through what used to be a rural area with little traffic, but new housing estates, flourishing schools and more heavy transport have turned it into a busy commuter road.
“Over the years this road has become a nightmare with the traffic, and trucks,” he said.
What hasn’t changed is the speed limit, which is still 100km/h.
Mr Romeo, who volunteered for six years with the Shepparton Rescue Squad, said the intersection with Benalla Rd, the scene of another accident last week, needed a roundabout or traffic lights.
Mr Romeo said the volume of traffic led to impatience, which could lead to disaster.
“We have been asking for lights or a roundabout there for years, but it falls on deaf ears,” he said.
Heavy transport, school pick-up and drop-off and normal farming traffic is mingling with vehicles doing the 100km/h speed limit.
“I’m scared every time I pull out of my driveway; you look left and right but at 100km/h they come up on you so quickly,” Mr Romeo said.
VicRoads data shows 10 crashes on Central Ave over a five-year period to 2020 resulting in 19 serious injuries.
Transport operator Frank Gattuso said the intersection with Benalla Rd was confusing and dangerous and needed a roundabout.
“If there is a truck or bus turning left into Central Ave you can’t see traffic coming behind them, a few accidents have happened that way.”
Mr Gattuso said the 100km/h limit travelling south on Central Ave was too fast, with trucks from three major companies and other local traffic entering at slow speed.
“We pull out of our gate to go south up Central Ave and you think you have time but the southbound traffic is on you very quickly,” he said.
Mr Gattuso said the volume of through traffic mixed with school drop-off and pick-up made morning and afternoon peaks diabolical.
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