Patience is a virtue – but more so when travelling on our state’s roads.
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With plenty of roadworks dotting main routes and highways across the state, it is a timely reminder to stick to speed limits and obey all road signage.
Drivers can become complacent when approaching roadworks, especially when action appears stagnant. We are all familiar with our route home and when change occurs it can be a shock to the system.
The state government campaign “Your Speed is Our Safety – Slow Down for Road Workers” is a reminder that motorists need to be aware that while roadworks can be seen as an inconvenience, there are people whose job it is to make these changes.
No one wants to put another person’s life at risk. Wouldn’t you rather be a few minutes late to that appointment rather than be in a situation where a father or mother, whose job is at a roadworks site, doesn’t return home to their children? Works at the Breadalbane roundabout, as part of the Perth Bypass project, have progressed well.
While the State Growth Department has given plenty of notice regarding the changes, motorists still seem surprised by the works or unwilling to change their behaviour.
With a number of fatalities already this year on the state’s roads, there needs to be a cultural shift in driver attitude. The majority of road crashes are avoidable.
What will it take for people to heed the message? A greater police presence on our roads? Higher fines? Impounding vehicles? Further tragedy?
It is not difficult to slow down, be attentive, wear a seat belt, don’t drink and drive.
Last year there were 37 deaths on the state’s roads with 280 serious injuries.
Fatalities increased 12.1 per cent in 2016, while those most likely to be involved in a crash were in the 30-49 age bracket and male. Men in the 17-29 age group were close behind in crash statistics.
The state government’s campaign Towards Zero – Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017-2026 is working towards changing that but it needs the support of the entire community.
Given this weekend’s events and likely increased traffic on the roads – Supercars at Symmons Plains, AFL at Blundstone Arena and the World Series Enduro at Derby – it is imperative that we all play our part.
Factor in a longer-than-expected travel time to take in any unexpected delays and make sure everyone returns home safe.
Remember, patience is a virtue.
