THERE ARE renewed calls for more black ice warning signs after a truck driver had a lucky escape on Wednesday morning.
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A man in his 60s was travelling on the Daylesford - Trentham Road, between Lockheeds and Justices' roads, when he is believed to have hit black ice before losing control of the truck he was driving, causing it to roll just before 8am.
He was treated at the scene before being transported to Ballarat Base Hospital in a stable condition.
Little Hampton resident Joy Justice has been campaigning Vic Roads about what the community calls "crash corner" for almost 30 years.
She said the stretch of road was dangerous because it is straight before it becomes a sweeping bend, known locally as Justices' corner, but with black ice adding to the problem, she is afraid that one day there will be a fatality.
Ms Justice said there had been many incidents there in recent weeks, with cars skidding off the road due to wet and snowy conditions, but the truck rollover was a frightening reminder of what could happen.
I'm at my wits' end. I don't want to go out and find a fatality. I just want something to be done to avoid more accidents and people being injured.
- Joy Justice
Vic Roads installed a small sign warning of black ice at the location last year, but Ms Justice wants a bigger sign equipped with ice lights to warn drivers. She said it might not reduce the danger of the corner, but would prepare drivers so they have advanced warning to slow down.
Regional Roads Victoria's regional director (western) Mal Kersting urged drivers to assess conditions before they get behind the wheel and delay or minimise travel if concerned about black ice.
"We live in a part of the state where black ice is a serious problem - one which can have potentially deadly consequences if drivers don't drive to the conditions."
He said if a driver does come across black ice, it is advised to minimise the use of brakes and the accelerator and not to make sudden movements.
"Sub-zero temperatures like we had this morning, combined with overnight rainfall, is always a good indicator that black ice could form, and it's important that drivers learn to recognise the warning signs and drive to the conditions," he said.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas re-iterated that it was important for drivers to understand the dangers posed by black ice and to drive to the conditions.
Drivers can check conditions before they get behind the wheel by using the VicTraffic app or reporting hazards or dangerous conditions by calling 133 RRV.
