Hit-and-run victim: driver must man up

Nathan Watson and his pregnant partner Jasmine Douglas at 15th Avenue and Fraser St intersection where he says he was a victim of a hit-and-run on Monday night.PHOTOS/GEORGE NOVAK

A Welcome Bay man is pleading with the driver of an alleged hit-and-run incident in the middle of 15th Avenue and Fraser St intersection on Monday night to come forward to police.

Nathan Watson, 33, said he was riding his CVR 500R motorbike through the intersection about 5.45pm on Monday when the collision happened.

"I was turning right on a green arrow and for some reason a motorist who indicated they were turning left on their green arrow instead drove straight through the intersection. In a panic I hit the clutch and consequently I t-boned the vehicle on the passenger side.

"I heard an almighty bang as we connected then I head-butted the car. The bike went one way and I went the other way and I ended up on the road. The driver didn't stop. It's disgusting, " he said.

Mr Watson said as the vehicle drove off it nearly hit two other vehicles heading through the same intersection from the opposite direction.

Because it was raining, dark and other motorists were focused on ensuring he was not run over, no one managed to get a description of the fleeing vehicle as it drove off down Fraser St, he said.

Mr Watson believed the fleeing driver was a man.

Mr Watson said he was taken to Tauranga Hospital for observation and left with a thumping headache and was still suffering migraines. His motorbike was no longer rideable.

"I counted myself lucky my injuries are not far worse. We could well be talking about broken bones at the very least. I'm lucky to be alive. We all make mistakes but I want the driver to man up and come forward," he said.

Mr Watson said if the driver must be held to account it may well be a child next time and someone must know who it is as the vehicle would have a significant dent in the passenger side.

His pregnant partner Jasmine Douglas, who is expecting their first child in September, said when she learned Mr Watson was involved in the crash she "nearly had a heart attack".

She was also pleading with the driver to come forward.

Mr Watson said he wanted to send a big thank you to everyone who came to his aid.

Head of Western Bay road policing Senior Sergeant Ian Campion said eyewitnesses suggest the vehicle could be a small car, possibly a Ford.

"I urge the driver to come forward to speak to police about this matter and would also like any panel beaters who may have been asked to make some repairs to give us a call," he said.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 577 4300.