Released 02/08/2019
A series of road markings are being trialled on the Tuggeranong Parkway to promote safer distances between vehicles and help reduce tailgating behaviours and rear-end crashes.
The road markings, called chevrons, consist of a series of the inverted letter 'V' painted on the road surface.
In good driving conditions, motorists are advised to keep at least two chevrons apart. If conditions are poor, or the motorist is towing or driving a heavy vehicle, an even greater distance between the vehicle in front is recommended.
The chevron road markings are being placed along two 1.8 kilometre sections of road on the Tuggeranong Parkway:
- In a southbound direction between Hindmarsh Drive and Sulwood Drive, Woden Valley
- In a northbound direction between Cotter Road and Lady Denman Drive, Molonglo Valley
In 2017 there were 7,716 crashes in the ACT. Some 3,363 (44%) were rear end collisions, resulting in one death and 97 injuries.
The ACT Government is working to reduce road injuries and deaths, with $40,000 provided for the project through the ACT Road Safety Fund, to educate community members about safe distances between vehicles reducing road accidents and trauma.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the chevron trial is anticipated to see a reduction in rear-end crashes in the treated sections of road, and generally across the ACT road network.
Comments attributable to Minister for Road Safety Shane Rattenbury:
"Too many Canberrans habitually tailgate, despite the risks of a serious collision on our roads. Sadly, we're practically notorious for it.
"The reality is – tailgating causes accidents, and not all of them minor. Putting some distance between you and the car in front, can make all the difference when it comes to making our roads safer."
The trial is part of the ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2016–2020.
Media: Minister Rattenbury and a road safety representative will address the media tomorrow (Friday) at 1:15pm at Kambah Village – see earlier media alert for details.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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