How a driver proved his innocence after hitting young girl
A driver who knocked over a child on a narrow Melbourne street has his dashboard camera to thank for proving he wasn’t speeding.
On April 20, Muhammad Danish turned down a narrow street in Brunswick East in Melbourne when a young girl ran onto the road in front of him.
Danish slammed on the brakes before coming to a stop and knocking the girl on the road.
It was all captured on camera.
The girl’s father then rushed over and slammed his fist on the bonnet of Danish’s car.
Luckily, the girl was not seriously harmed but the situation has taken an emotional toll on Danish.
He told A Current Affair he wished he could’ve done more.
"It was very hard for me for three or four days. I couldn't do anything. It kept replaying in my mind and my mind was just simulating the situation 100 different ways," Danish said.
He is relieved that the child was ok but said if he hadn’t captured it on camera, he may not have been able to prove his innocence.
"This video evidence really saved my life because if police listened to the statements I could have been charged and (found) guilty," he said.
The footage has been viewed hundreds and thousands of times online, with the majority of viewers offering their support to the driver.
"Even police told me it's not my fault. I was thinking I could have done something better to not hurt that girl, but people's messages and comments really supported me," Danish said.
Kidsafe Victoria’s Jason Chambers said the incident serves as a safety reminder to parents and guardians.
"Supervision is a really important key in keeping children safe around roads, car parks and driveways," Chambers said.
"For kids under five, that means an adult holding their hands at all times around these areas.
"Transport-related incidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in Australia.
"In 2022 we saw there were four child pedestrians under eight who died and we usually see over 120 who are admitted to hospital."
Image credit: A Current Affair