Provided by:FleetSafe
13/02/2008 - The 2007 national road fatality rate of 1,611 deaths is an increase on the previous years figure of 1,598 with roadside hazards accounting for around 40% of those deaths. Australian Automobile Association (AAA) Research Manager Greg Smith said, "It is time for action to ensure better and safer road design, particularly protecting motorists from roadside hazards such as poles and trees, and to avoid head-on crashes, by installing wire rope barriers."
According to Mr Smith, while the Federal Government had committed billions to road infrastructure in the lead up to the 2007 Federal Election, there is now a real need to ensure it is invested in better designed roads that protect Australian motorists and their families. "Authorities are right to point out that motorists have a responsibility to drive safely, but drivers are fallible and make mistakes. They should not have to pay with their lives for a momentary lapse in concentration."
Mr Smith noted that there are promising examples of road upgrade programs to make roads safe, but these need to be significantly expanded throughout the country. "VicRoads Safer Roads program is a shining example. It is funded by the Transport Accident Commission to the tune of $240 million, and will significantly address run off the road crashes in Victoria by installing roadside safety barriers, sealing road edges and removing roadside hazards," he said.
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