THE Transport Accident Commission says allowances will be made for emergency service vehicles on narrow roads which are being fitted with wire barriers.
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It comes as the TAC this weekend launches a state-wide campaign explaining why the barriers will save lives on the roads.
Wire barriers are being installed along the length of the Western Freeway while $12 million is also being spent on the Midland Highway between Ballarat and Creswick which has seen more than 20 serious crashes in the last five years.
The state opposition has previously raised concerns about the barriers, particularly those on narrow sections of roads, which they say do not cater for emergency service vehicles and could be dangerous particularly to motorcycles.
It has said it will review the program should it win government at the November State Election.
But TAC Road Safety Director Samantha Cockfield said after multiple discussions with emergency services, the commission is confident it has the balance right.
“Certainly the liaison and consultation with out emergency services has been quite extensive,” Ms Cockfield said.
“We do understand their needs and making sure they have plenty of breaks and know where they are so they can attend emergencies.”
She said the TAC was also working on ways extra cushioning could be provided to motorcycle riders in high risk areas.
“We understand that while motorcyclists are incredibly vulnerable. It’s important that we do everything we can to keep them safe.”
Last year, 109 of the 155 people who died on Victorian rural roads were in vehicles that left their lane and crashed into roadside trees or poles, or another vehicle.
Ms Cockfield said research showed flexible barriers reduce these types of crashes from happening by more than 85 per cent and the new campaign would create greater public awareness and understanding of barriers.
“Showing the public footage of how these barriers work will help us continue to educate Victorians that zero lives lost is possible,” she said.
VicRoads deputy chief executive Robyn Seymour said the campaign will show actual footage of a car hitting a median strip barrier at 90km/h.
“The lane departure crashes that these safety barriers prevent are the number one cause of death on regional Victorian roads,” Ms Seymour said.
“This footage shows exactly why we’re installing around 2000km of flexible safety barriers across Victoria – because they save lives.”
The campaign also features two people who have avoided serious injuries after crashing into the barriers.
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