Safe Roads

Safe roads is one of the four interacting parts of the Safe System. People make mistakes, no matter how careful they are. The Safe System seeks to create a road environment that lessens the impact of those mistakes. Safe roads is about designing and maintaining roads to reduce the risk and severity of crashes. The other parts of the Safe System are safe road users, safe roads and roadsides, and safe speeds.In a Safe System, roads are more forgiving.

Most prevalent crashes

Six in 10 serious casualties (serious injuries and deaths) in Tasmania are caused by lane departure crashes (run-off-road and head-on crashes).

One in 10 serious casualties are from intersection crashes.

Flexible barriers

Flexible barriers prevent cars from running off the road or into oncoming traffic. The collision is with the barrier rather than a solid object beside the road or an oncoming vehicle. Flexible barriers absorb much of the force, reducing the impact to the human body and allowing the vehicle to come to a gradual standstill, rather than a sudden stop. Flexible barriers are effective in reducing head-on and run-off-road crashes.

Audible edge line markings

Audible edge line markings are raised or grooved patterns along a road, intended to provide motorists with an audible warning that their vehicle is straying from the travel lane. Audible edge line markings are effective in reducing crashes due to driver distraction or fatigue.

Line marking

Improved use of line marking, delineation and audible edge lines helps drivers stay in their travel lane and reduce head-on and run-off-road crashes. Innovative vehicle technologies also use line markings to avoid crashes.

Sealed shoulders

When a vehicle leaves the road, especially at high speeds, stopping and steering back into the traffic lane is easier if the tyres are able to grip onto a sealed shoulder, rather than trying to find traction on loose gravel.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts are more effective than stop signs or signals at an intersection. They are a proven safety measure because they reduce speed, protect opposing traffic and reduce the potential for dangerous side impact crashes so that when there is a crash, the risk of serious injury or death is significantly reduced.