Ashley Howlett, 32, was walking her dog near her home when she was struck by a motorcycle and left with life-threatening injuries in October 2024.
Ashley suffered two strokes, multiple brain injuries, extensive trauma to her organs and bones, and needed a partial amputation of her right leg.
There were police nearby who saw the crash and rushed to help. They applied a tourniquet to my leg and we believe that saved my life.
Following the accident, Ashley underwent months of intensive rehabilitation at both Epworth Richmond and Epworth Hawthorn and continues to visit for rehabilitation sessions each week.
Ashley joined Epworth Director of Medical Services, Dr Kerry O'Meara, and Victoria Police's Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing, Glenn Weir, to launch this year's state-wide Christmas blitz.
So far this year more than 280 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads, with countless more injured.
There will be a significant focus on impaired driving during Operation Roadwise, with police conducting 24/7 alcohol and drug testing throughout the 15-day operation.
"I think that a lot of people think the worst that can happen is that they will get caught. But the worst that can happen is that you can destroy someone's life – that's if you don't take their life," Ashley said.
