{"id":213589,"date":"2018-07-12T23:14:09","date_gmt":"2018-07-12T13:14:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=213589"},"modified":"2020-07-30T13:43:36","modified_gmt":"2020-07-30T03:43:36","slug":"safety-upgrade-for-truck-rest-areas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/07\/12\/safety-upgrade-for-truck-rest-areas\/","title":{"rendered":"Safety Upgrade For Truck Rest Areas"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A new system of green reflectors will alert truck drivers using the Burnett Highway about up-coming rest stops where they can safely pull off the road (Photo: RAAG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

July 12, 2018<\/strong>

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Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/p>\n

Green reflectors have been installed at 21 sites on the Burnett Highway between Nanango and Coominglah, north of Monto, to alert heavy vehicles about upcoming stopping places.<\/p>\n

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said on Thursday the initiative was a first for the Wide Bay-Burnett.<\/p>\n

“The purpose of installing 3-2-1 green reflectors is to enhance safety for all motorists around stopping places used by heavy vehicles,” Mr Bailey said.<\/p>\n

“The reflectors are spaced out to warn heavy vehicle drivers of upcoming stopping places.<\/p>\n

“Motorists will see three green reflectors on a guide post 500 metres before the stopping place, two green reflectors at 250 metres and one green reflector immediately before.”<\/p>\n

Mr Bailey said all the sites chosen for truck parking were flat, met visibility requirements, provided easy access for heavy vehicles and were long enough and wide enough to accommodate at least one parking space.<\/p>\n

They were all stopping places or rest areas that were not formally provided or maintained by the Department of Transport and Main Roads, but showed obvious signs of use by heavy vehicles.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mr Bailey said the advanced notice provided by the reflectors would improve safety for both truck drivers and motorists.<\/p>\n

“Providing advance warning gives heavy vehicle operators enough time to slow down and prevent unsafe braking manoeuvres,” he said.<\/p>\n

“Fatigue is one of the fatal five driving behaviours and it is a significant safety hazard for the road transport industry.”<\/p>\n