October 11, 2013
With all the roadworks happening around the region, the South Burnett Regional Council is urging motorists to drive responsibly and not put workers’ lives at risk.
“We made a commitment in this year’s Budget to get our roads back on track,” Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said today.
“This means that there is a lot of roadworks going on around the region and we urge people to take care on the road.
“The Road Levy has enabled Council to employ another crew to speed up our road repairs.
“We need to remember that all of our road works staff have families to go home to. They are doing a great job working on our roads and ensuring our residents drive safely through road works.
“I would suggest that allowing a little longer to get to your destination will help people drive safely.
“Unfortunately slowing down whilst roads are being repaired is essential but the long term benefit is we will have safer roads with less potholes which will make everyone’s driving more pleasurable and safer in the future.”
Road portfolio spokesman Cr Damien Tessmann said it was essential that while roadworks were being conducted that drivers were patient, respectful and cautious around road workers.
“We are making a difference to the roads. We are spending a large amount on roads this year and in time this will mean more safe travel,” Cr Tessmann said.
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How can I stay safe around roadworks?
- Slow down and keep to the reduced speed limit.
- Keep an eye out for road workers. They don’t have a vehicle to protect them.
- Observe the roadwork signage. If you don’t see someone working there, they may be out of view.
- Stay calm. Be patient.
- Expect the unexpected.
- Look out for hidden road workers and vehicles.
- Speed limits may be reduced, so drive to the limit.
- Traffic lanes may have changed, so take care.
- Be alert. Always follow road signs and road workers’ instructions.
- Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other vehicles, traffic barriers, construction equipment and road workers.
- Ensure you are in the correct lane and merge as soon as possible to avoid last minute lane changes.
- Plan your trip ahead to ease any delays.
- Look for an alternate route.
- Always remember, roadwork signs are legal signs and must be adhered to.
What happens if I disobey these signs?
- Committing an offence may lead to fines and licence demerit points.
- The driver may be liable for damage caused to roadwork equipment and materials.
- The driver’s insurance claim may be void.
- Vehicles may be damaged by loose stones and gravel.
Why are there speed signs at roadworks?
There are speed signs at road works to protect the road worker and road user. Roads are more than concrete or asphalt. You drive on many layers that are put down according to strict specifications, ensuring the best and safest road surface possible. Each layer takes time to reach the appropriate compaction standards that are essential for the life of the road. The speed limit is set to ensure everyone’s safety. Speed signs around road works are enforceable and regulated by law.
Why is speed reduced?
- Speeding vehicles are a very real threat to the safety of other drivers and road workers.
- The road condition may have changed but you may not be aware of this. While under construction or repair, the road surface may not be safe to drive on at the normal speed.
- Loose gravel on the road surface may cause damage to your vehicle.
- The pavement surface may be uneven.
- The road lanes may have narrowed.
- Kilometres of utilities such as drainage pipes, electrical and telecommunication lines are often hidden from view. When roads are widened, many of these have to be relocated. Relocation takes time.
- Some roadwork activities are mobile, such as line markings, road patching and mowing. The road worker may be moving through the zone and needs a reduced speed limit for safety reasons.
- Road workers may not always be visible when working in the road area.
