The 24-year-old Camperdown P-plate driver was taken to Warrnambool Base Hospital after the single-car accident about 7am.

The accident, the second on that section of road in three months, prompted a warning from police for motorists to slow down and drive to the road conditions.

About a week ago, Warrnambool City Council erected new signs permanently lowering the speed limit to 60km/h through the bends near the newer residential areas on Wollaston Road. It follows the reduction in speed from 100km/h to 80km/h a few years ago after three accidents in three weeks

In September, nearby residents called for the speed limit to be permantely reduced to 60km/h after a ute lost control on a bend and crashed into a large gum tree.

Sergeant Callum McKinnon said road conditions across the south-west were less than ideal on Monday morning and the light rain meant driving was even more hazardous than usual.

The man was heading south-east when he lost control, crashed through a light pole and street signs before coming to rest in a grassed area near the entrance to Riverside housing estate.

The impact was so great that wheels were ripped off the car. The driver of the car said he was thankful there was no one coming in the opposite direction or out of the side roads.

Resident Jenny McLaren on Monday welcomed the new reduced speed limit.

In September, residents raised concerns about safety saying the recent construction of 80 houses in the new estates had increased traffic on the road. But it is only set to get busier with plans for another 2000 houses.

Residents had also said that while there were plans for a roundabout, cars coming around the corner were often forced to slow down or stop in a hurry because of cars turning into or out of side roads. 

The council confirmed a roundabout was proposed for the intersection near the scene of Monday’s crash, and it would be constructed when a particular number of lots were developed.