Bairnsdale residents are continuing to express concern over the health of our local roadways. Earlier in 2024, concerns were initially raised in winter when a study conducted by Australian Community Media revealed that there had been a 96 percent decrease to the State Government’s budget for road resurfacing.
As winter frosts melt away and torrential spring storms appear heavy on the horizon, regional Victorians are advised to drive carefully on rural roadways, being mindful of uneven or gravel surfaces and wet weather conditions in alpine areas. Here are some key safety considerations that can support safe driving this spring season.
Ensure You Have Insurance
Securing car insurance in Victoria is paramount to responsible driving. Alongside providing cover in cases of accidental damage to insured vehicles, securing the right type of vehicle insurance policy for your car can greatly alleviate the personal financial risks of Bairnsdale residents when driving on unresurfaced roadways.
For instance, a rough road could cause you to lose control of your car, hitting another vehicle or crashing into a stationary object. Securing a comprehensive car insurance policy allows drivers to be covered for the damage to their car, as well as any other vehicles they may collide with, and other parties’ personal property, such as fences or buildings.
Having insurance cover helps support arguments that you cannot be held personally liable for the costs to repair your car or anyone else’s if you are involved in an incident that may have been exacerbated by the state of local roadways. With insurance companies taking on the liability for costs associated with motor accidents with the exception of claim excesses, Bairnsdale drivers can enjoy greater peace of mind as we await improved maintenance initiatives for our local roadways.
Regional Road Hazards and Dangers
Even outside of Bairnsdale, regional roadways can be much more hazardous than city roads due to a range of factors. For one, Victoria’s regional roads don’t get the same level of upkeep as metropolitan roads do, meaning that they are more prone to wear and tear and other issues that can make them more dangerous to drive on. While most regional roadways are generally safe to drive on in dry conditions, it does, however, pay to be mindful of the following dangers and hazards that can be present when driving in the country.
Some regional roads aren’t tarmacked at all but are instead covered in gravel. You’ll need to be extra careful when driving on gravel roads, as their decreased traction support makes it easier for vehicles to skid upon braking. To avoid skidding or sliding, we advise Bairnsdale residents to slow down and drive below the recommended speed limit. Avoid sudden manoeuvres like sharp turns or swerving, as your tires may struggle to keep a grip on a gravel road. Be sure to also increase the following distance between the car in front of you, as braking will take longer on a gravel road.
Like gravel roadways, potholes are another constant regional road danger. Residents should avoid driving straight over a pothole, as this can burst or damage tires and can damage vehicle suspension.
Alpine Roadways
Some regional areas are alpine regions, where there are high mountains and snow. Due to their wetter climates and higher risks of frost build-up, alpine roads can be dangerous to drive on even during spring. If you follow a few precautions, however, you can stay safe when navigating alpine roadways.
Maintain a steady and slower speed limit, and take care around hairpin turns, avoiding unnecessary acceleration. If it has snowed, you will either need an all-wheel drive vehicle or will need to install chains on your tyres. The same caution applies to high frost areas, which can be common in winter on regional roads.
Hydroplaning or aquaplaning is also a common risk on alpine roadways during spring weather. Ensuring that your vehicle is fitted with thick-treaded tires can aid in supporting traction and reducing risks of hydroplaning on isolated, high-altitude alpine roadways.
Young Local Driver?
Parents and guardians can support young drivers in Australia living in rural or regional areas by ensuring they’ve experienced a wide range of different driving conditions. Young drivers in Bairnsdale need to be confident behind the wheel, as they’ll likely come across all of the dangers and hazards we’ve mentioned above.
If you’re currently learning to drive on Bairnsdale roadways, experiencing how changed conditions like wet and frost impact local roadways is key to navigating them with confidence once you attain your probationary licence and enjoy your first independent car trips. Finding alternate pathways to avoid unsafe roadways is also recommended, especially for younger drivers who may not be comfortable with gravel roads or driving in isolated areas.
General Road Safety Tips for Bairnsdale Drivers
Now, we’ll list some general road safety tips for Bairnsdale drivers. It is vitally important to always obey the speed limit, or stay just below it. Speed kills, as a majority of local motor incidents recorded are still caused by speeding drivers. When you speed, it is more difficult to brake in time to avoid a collision. If you’re on a straight road, you can use your car’s cruise control setting to stay on the speed limit.
Driver fatigue is another leading cause of motor incidents Australia-wide. If you’re driving long distances, monitor your energy levels and ensure that you’re never driving for longer than 8-10 hours consecutively without rest stops.
Another tip is not to use your mobile phone and instead utilising a hands-free or voice-activated system for taking phone calls while driving. Operating a mobile phone while driving is against the law, and you can face hefty fines and demerit points if you’re caught. Major accidents can and do occur when people text and drive.
Finally, always pay attention when driving, and check your rear and side mirrors frequently for neighbouring cars, cyclists, and even wildlife. Being aware of environmental hazards can help you avoid accidents on regional roads and highways.
Ensuring your Safety on Regional Roadways
Our regional roads here in Bairnsdale can be safe to drive on, but they may have dangers and hazards that aren’t as commonly found in metropolitan areas. By familiarising ourselves with common driver hazards and driving mindfully on unresurfaced roadways, we can keep ourselves safe while navigating Bairnsdale and surrounding regions.
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