four police officers killed after being hit by semi-trailer on eastern hwy vic

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Originally Posted by DiscoMick

Yes, I was surprised on our recent trip up the Newel to see 110 kmh on sections which were definitely not up to freeway standard, like the rebuilt Pacific Highway.
I noticed most traffic, including trucks, was sitting on 100 even in the 110 zones, which seemed responsible. We were towing the camper so 100 was good for us.

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Interestingly, a few years ago the limit was dropped to 100, and then put up again after about a year, partly because the accident rate went up. Perhaps worth noting that judging from the reports I see, being local, most of the accidents seem to be ones that would be little affected by the speed limit. Most common fatal accident is a vehicle running off the road and hitting a tree, usually in the wee hours, probably followed by head on collisions. Level crossing accidents used to be common and usually fatal, but I'm pretty sure all the crossings where there is significant rail traffic are replaced except for ones in towns. However, by far the worst recent one was just over a year ago when a semitrailer ran into the back of a line of traffic stopped at roadworks. (The driver went to gaol a couple of months ago.) And that was by no means the first similar one. Most non-serious (and a few serious/fatal) accidents on the Newell are animal strikes.

The main reason divided roads are a lot safer is that they stop almost all headon collisions, and the reason freeways are even safer is that they cut out intersections, which, I think, are the number one location for all types of accidents, and, additionally have planned curves and sight lines as well as usually stopping lanes and side barriers where necessary..

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Originally Posted by INter674

I put it to our "family" cop that it's just too risky to pull over cars on a freeway or other major road with speeding cars to which he said they are not allowed to let them get away ...but I said..usually for a couple hundred bucks fine..is it worth the risk? No he said...but it's the job we have to do.

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That is commendable, {unless one is on page 4 of his notebook [bighmmm]} but would he think like that if his Patrol Partner gets wiped out while so doing?


It is the law, but really how far does one go in upholding it for a minor breach? A Hi Viz is not a bulletproof vest.

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Originally Posted by SBD4

The rule was introduced in NSW in Sept 2019. They promoted the rule change extensively on radio, TV and socila media and gave a grace period - there was really no excuse not to know.

While heading home through the Royal Nat Park a couple of months ago I was second behind a vehicle that was travelling somewhat below the speed limit (enough for a long line of traffic to accumulate). Travelling in an 80 zone at 60, we came across Highway Patrol doing a traffic stop, driver in front touched their brakes lightly but didn't slow down - I did. 3 to 4 minutes later the copper was getting very large very quickly in my rear view mirror with the christmas tree on full twinkle. He screamed passed me only dive in behind the plodder in front and pull them over. It took me a full half hour to twig to the fact it must have been for not slowing down 40Kph. I can only assume they have tech on board that records the event with vehicle details.

https://youtu.be/UZ30mdKw6Ew

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My social media these days is this site, and I am here randomly. I don't see this as a way to inform the populace. No excuse not to know, as you put it, is in fact a 'reasonable' excuse not to know. Nobody is forced to engage in media, social or otherwise.

The new rule was publicised everywhere - on Billboards, TV, Papers - both print and online, Radio, Internet advertising - even posters in Vicroads and Library’s, the list goes on. There’s also the Victorian road rules website and Vicroads always has updates on their homepage on the latest road rules too, towards zero website, VicPol website, Vic Government website all had this change listed on their front pages. Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

But hey, it’s just easier to blame the Government and say it’s their fault for not telling us...

Everyone seems to have heard about the Corona Virus by similar means so I don’t buy for a minute people don’t or didn’t know about this rule, just that they choose to ignore it.

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Originally Posted by Tins

No excuse not to know, as you put it, is in fact a 'reasonable' excuse not to know.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Ignorance of the law is no excuse.

But hey, it’s just easier to blame the Government and say it’s their fault for not telling us...

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Tins it is easy to put your head in the sand but it is up to you to know what the law is - as indicated "Ignorance of the law is no excuse"

By your comments in other threads, you seem to be well informed on what is going on around ups all, so why not this.

There's 2 ways to get to 90%of the Victorian community, and its not web sites and googles. Its radio and tv. Sure is was put out there when the law changed but 14 days later its in the bottom of the file tray. I say keep reminding the public over the course of time . Dont ram it down their throats for two weeks then file it (we've done our bit).. How many drivers know the rules re: roundabouts ? Lets remind them every now and then .

How about we retest everyone every 5 years and cancel the licences of those that don’t know the current road rules? 😁😇🤣

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Originally Posted by Homestar

How about we retest everyone every 5 years and cancel the licences of those that don’t know the current road rules? 😁😇🤣

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No need to be so draconian but if they fail they have to do a refresher course.

That’s no fun... 😁👍

if you sign up to VicRoads for online services, which is the responsible thing to do as it saves trees you get emailed road rule updates and advisories on a regular basis.

Do yourselves a favour and subscribe ,

https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/road-rules/recent-changes-to-road-rules