With so many tired – and sometimes distracted – drivers out and about on country roads – new safety initiatives are constantly being tried in an effort to recuse accident numbers.
On the Mid-Western Highway in New south Wales, more than 100 kilometres of rumble strips have now been installed between Bathurst and Cowra.
The strips, also known as Audio Tactile Line Marking (ATLM), audibly warn drivers if they drift out of their lane for any reason.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the strips were a proven safety treatment, reducing the number of crashes by 15%-25%.
“The Mid-Western Highway is used by thousands of motorists each day including freight operators and travellers who are often on long trips,” Mr Lunn said.
More and more runble strips ar being rolled out. PIC: Transport For NSW
“If their vehicle leaves its lane for any reason such as fatigue, distraction or inattention, the rumble strips will cause a vibration effect to alert the driver to correct their path and avoid a serious accident.”
Work crews have been working along the stretch of road since April 15 April installing the ATLM along the edge and centre lines.
The Bathurst to Cowra project is part of the NSW Government’s $46 million Saving Lives Accelerated Package to install ATLM on key regional and rural routes in the three years to 2026.
In the next financial year, more rumble strips will be installed on the Mid-Western Highway between Cowra and West Wyalong, and the Great Western Highway between Mount Victoria and Bathurst.
“Safety is our number one priority and installing ATLM along some of our key regional and rural routes is a proven, effective measure we can apply to increase the likelihood that all of our road users get home safely,” said Mr Lunn.
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Let’s set up some of the musical rumble strip’s like in Hungary, don’t have to drive off the road to hear them. Great concept.
On either side, so you don’t run off the road.
Won’t work here in WA. Even where the rumble strip already exists on the road edge, an uncomfortable amount of WA drivers have a wheel on the wrong side of that line. It’s an offence over here but the authorities turn a blind eye to it. Some where over the years they have lost the spatial awareness gene.I forbid my family members to ride bicycles on WA roads because of this unsafe practice.
They should be standard on ALL roads – a small cost in the overall