Cop calls for cap on speed
Unsealed roads focus
ALL unsealed country roads would have a 70km/h limit in an overhaul from Victoria’s top traffic cop.
Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said cutting the limit from 100km/h would save seven lives a year and reduce injuries by 70 per cent.
“I believe we must consider speed reduction to save lives,’’ Mr Fryer said. “Speed is the No. 1 factor that kills people on our roads.
“People weren’t meant to sit in metal boxes and go fast.
“And when cars, trucks and motorbikes collide, our bodies are not made for that sort of impact and trauma.”
He has previously flagged concern about high speed limits on unsealed country roads but will today ramp up his push, launching an online video calling for change to be considered.
Figures show a head-on crash at 100km/h results in a 95 per cent chance of death.
The figure drops to 10 per cent for 70km/h.
“Do the maths,’’ Mr Fryer said. “I have a real concern about unsealed roads having a speed limit of 100km/h. In my view, it should be about 70km/h.
“Is there anyone who honestly thinks 100km/h on an unsealed road is appropriate?”
Almost 60 per cent of deaths on Victoria’s roads so far this year have been in country areas.
Five people were killed on country roads last weekend and seven the previous weekend.