B-double trouble alert

Truck cuts blind corners in risky range trip

ALARMING vision of a Bdouble veering into the oncoming lane on the Kuranda Range road has underscored the road’s reputation as a dangerous stretch of highway.

Atherton Tablelands resident Jamie Clarke captured the footage when returning home from the Cairns Airport.

Following behind the truck, Mr Clarke said he had his heart in his mouth the whole way up the range.

On Friday afternoon, the Bdouble Check out the video at www.cairnspost.com.au was captured cutting blind corners and forcing cars to take evasive action as it made its way up the range.

“He was going on the wrong side of the road (and) could have killed Clarke said.

“The whole lot is dangerous. If it had been wet, or if he was coming down the hill, he could have pushed drivers off the edge of the cliff.

“In defence of him though, he many not know (about the twisting road), but that’s no excuse if you killed someone.”

The incident has come to light during Queensland Road Safety Week and as visiting Transport Minister Mark Bailey someone,” Mr and Cairns MP Michael Healy led a forum attended by police aimed at curbing deaths on Far Northern roads.

“While the number of deaths on Queensland roads is the lowest in five years, Far North and north Queensland communities continue to be overrepresented,” Mr Bailey said.

To date, 32 people have died on Far North and north Queensland roads, six more than the same period last year.

Mr Healy said unfortunately, the fatal five – speed, alcohol and drugs, fatigue, not wearing a seatbelt and driver distraction – remained major contributing factors in road deaths.

“When a crash occurs, it’s the families, friends and first responders who are left to deal with the trauma,” he said.

Department of Transport and Main Roads told the Cairns Post there were vehicle restrictions currently in place on the range.

“Vehicles longer than 19m, wider than 2.5m and higher than 4.3m are not permitted unless they have applied for an access permit through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator,” a spokeswoman said.

“TMR compliance officers conduct regular monitoring on the Kuranda Range road and will take action against operators found to be driving oversized vehicles.”

TMR and police suggested the best alternative route for B-doubles travelling to the Tablelands was via the Palmerston Highway from Innisfail.