Premier

Lifesaving Technology In Action At Dunkeld Intersection

20 June 2019

It is now easier and safer for drivers to turn onto the Glenelg Highway at a high-risk intersection near Dunkeld, with the installation of new technology now complete thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.

The new electronic Side Road Activate Speed signs are now in place on the Glenelg Highway where it intersects Dunkeld-Cavendish Road and Penshurst-Dunkeld Road.

The speed signs are triggered by sensors that detect cars approaching on the side road, temporarily reducing the speed on the highway by 30km/h – from 100km/h to 70km/h – until the car is able to turn.

The reduced speed limit will only stay active until there are no more vehicles waiting to turn onto the highway.

This improves safety by giving drivers waiting on side roads more opportunity to enter the highway safely, while also giving drivers on the highway more time to react if the side traffic fails to give way.

It also significantly reduces the severity of crashes if they do occur.

In the past five years, 70 per cent of fatal intersection crashes in regional Victoria happened on high-speed roads.

Intersections in regional areas have a greater risk due to higher travel speeds, particularly where minor side roads meet main roads.

The use of Side Road Activated Speed technology at intersections in New Zealand has shown to reduce serious and fatal crashes by 89 per cent.

The upgrade is part of the $1.4 billion Towards Zero Action Plan and is being delivered in partnership between the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and VicRoads.

The Towards Zero Action Plan aims to reduce the number of lives lost on Victorian roads to 200 or fewer and decrease serious injuries by 15 per cent by 2020.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Minister for Road Safety and the TAC Jaala Pulford

“This is a proven technology shown to significantly decrease fatalities and serious injuries at intersections.”

“This simple change will give drivers more chances to turn onto a busy highway with less risk of serious injury, while reducing the severity of crashes when they do occur.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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