Rose Kelly, pictured, 43, died when a Nissan Navara ute being driven by a P-plater veered onto the wrong side of Nepean Highway and slammed into her, 6.30am, Thursday 5 December.
A 20-year-old Sandringham man, arrested at the scene by an off-duty police officer, was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He has since been charged with one count of dangerous driving causing death.
Ms Kelly’s grieving family said in a statement she had “dedicated her life to educating young children”.
“Her life was devastatingly and shockingly taken too soon by this event.
“We are very thankful for all the personal messages of support to our family and tributes to Rose.
“We now ask for complete privacy during this time as we grieve our loss.”
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives said the Nissan was travelling south when it veered into north-bound lanes, giving Ms Kelly “nowhere to go” before the collision.
Detective Senior Sergeant Brad McArthur told ABC Radio Ms Kelly was in the vehicle struck first and “really didn’t stand a chance”. He described it as a “terrible crash scene”.
Police had earlier received calls about a black Nissan Navara ute “driving erratically” in Mordialloc.
“It was probably being driven in a manner that made it stand out to other vehicles,” Detective McArthur said.
The drivers of three cars were involved, with two being taken to hospital for treatment. Ms Kelly died at the scene.
Emergency services crews closed Nepean Highway in both directions between Eel Race Road and Station Street while police investigated the crash.
Ms Kelly’s death brings the state’s road toll to 250 as of Friday 6 December.
