Main Roads urges travellers to the Cape to drive to conditions
Published Friday, 13 June, 2008 at 02:08 PM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
A new Main Roads safety initiative launched today urges all motorists heading to Cape York Peninsula on the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) to drive to the conditions.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said he hoped the initiative would save lives by reducing the number of crashes on the Peninsula Developmental Road this busy dry season.
"During the last five years, from April 2003 to April 2008, there were more than 68 reported crashes on this road, including eight fatalities," Mr Pitt said.
"That's a considerable figure and on top of this number are other incidents that don't get reported."
Mr Pitt stressed that while Main Roads would continue to do what it could to improve safety on this road, motorists needed to drive to the conditions.
"A total of $21 million is currently being spent to widen and seal a 25km section of this road between Lily Creek and Crocodile Gap south of Laura. It is due for completion in mid 2009," Mr Pitt said.
"While these works will make a difference, it is important to remember that driver behaviour is the overwhelming contributing factor in serious crashes.
"For this reason, it is crucial that motorists always drive to the road and weather conditions."
As part of the initiative, “Drive to the conditions” information packs have been distributed at key sites along the road, in Cooktown and in Cairns. These include popular traveller pit stops such as roadhouses and service stations.
Main Roads Far North Regional Director Bruce Gould said the packs would include useful information about the PDR and driving tips to help motorists manage the unique challenges of the road.
"During the dry season, between late May and November, the road is at its busiest with tourists hitting the road in search of four-wheel-driving and camping adventures," Mr Gould said.
"It's crucial for motorists to understand every road presents different challenges. The PDR has its own unique conditions, such as an unsealed surface, dusty conditions and potential stray livestock and wildlife.
"We are urging all motorists to pick up one of our ‘Drive to the conditions’ packs and use the information provided to safely navigate the PDR and survive the drive."
For more information, call 4050 5405 or go to www.mainroads.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said he hoped the initiative would save lives by reducing the number of crashes on the Peninsula Developmental Road this busy dry season.
"During the last five years, from April 2003 to April 2008, there were more than 68 reported crashes on this road, including eight fatalities," Mr Pitt said.
"That's a considerable figure and on top of this number are other incidents that don't get reported."
Mr Pitt stressed that while Main Roads would continue to do what it could to improve safety on this road, motorists needed to drive to the conditions.
"A total of $21 million is currently being spent to widen and seal a 25km section of this road between Lily Creek and Crocodile Gap south of Laura. It is due for completion in mid 2009," Mr Pitt said.
"While these works will make a difference, it is important to remember that driver behaviour is the overwhelming contributing factor in serious crashes.
"For this reason, it is crucial that motorists always drive to the road and weather conditions."
As part of the initiative, “Drive to the conditions” information packs have been distributed at key sites along the road, in Cooktown and in Cairns. These include popular traveller pit stops such as roadhouses and service stations.
Main Roads Far North Regional Director Bruce Gould said the packs would include useful information about the PDR and driving tips to help motorists manage the unique challenges of the road.
"During the dry season, between late May and November, the road is at its busiest with tourists hitting the road in search of four-wheel-driving and camping adventures," Mr Gould said.
"It's crucial for motorists to understand every road presents different challenges. The PDR has its own unique conditions, such as an unsealed surface, dusty conditions and potential stray livestock and wildlife.
"We are urging all motorists to pick up one of our ‘Drive to the conditions’ packs and use the information provided to safely navigate the PDR and survive the drive."
For more information, call 4050 5405 or go to www.mainroads.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819