Lucky P-plater owes life to wire barrier

A TORQUAY P-plater says she would have killed herself and another driver if wire rope barriers had not physically stopped her from colliding with another car.

Tayla Stevens says she is confident wire rope barriers being installed on the Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Rd, between Lara and Bacchus Marsh, will save lives.

The 20-year-old was travelling at 100km/h an hour when she became distracted and struck wire rope barriers on the Western Highway near Sunshine.

If the barriers had not been installed Ms Stevens said she would have crossed the road’s centre-line and collided with oncoming cars.

“If the barriers weren’t there I definitely would have collided with someone. I most likely would not have survived, and possibly could have killed someone,” Ms Stevens said.

The State Government is rolling out 330km of flexible barriers on high-risk, 100km/h roads throughout the state. The barriers are expected to reduce the likelihood of headon and run-off road crashes occurring by 85 per cent.

The rollout of 35km of flexible barriers along GeelongBacchus Marsh Rd will start later this month, with initial works occurring from south of Little River Ripley Rd to south of Gilmores Rd.

Ms Stevens said all drivers should be aware that fatigue can be a major factor in collisions.

She said her experience had made her a cautious driver who understands the need for investment in roads.

“Most people look at the barriers and think — why are these fences up? What are they and what do they do?,” Ms Stevens said.

“They do take a lot of force and they are there to keep you safe in your car.”

Ten people have died in crashes on Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Rd over the past five years, with the most recent fatality occurring when a female driver crossed double lines, clipped a truck and rolled.

VicRoads safe system road infrastructure program director Bryan Sherritt said the final design of the upgrades was being completed.

“We are continuing to work closely with the community, who have played a pivotal role in this design phase,” Mr Sherritt said.

The road’s 100km/h speed will be retained.