PUBLISHED WITH PERMISSION

From: Margo Sent:  10 September 2011 12:36 AM To: COE Subject: Road safety: wire rope barriers

Dear Mr Coe

The subject of wire rope barriers (WRBs) has been raised as a matter of concern by motorcyclists and their representatives for the past 15 years or so, both nationally and at the State and Territory level. The issue has recently been raised again in the ACT due to the use of WRBs in conjunction with new roads being constructed in the ACT, including, the Gungahlin Drive Extension and the Glenloch Interchange. I am writing to express my strong concern about the use of these barriers in view of the serious hazard that they pose for motorcyclists.

I understand that WRBs may be a cost-effective solution for most (although not all) 4-wheeled motor vehicles; however their wires and posts present a particular threat to motorcyclists.

Research has been either undertaken or proposed by accident research organisations, within Australia and overseas, for some years, but has not always received the funding required to generate the type of ‘evidence’ demanded by policy-makers. Several of these reports, based on the best available evidence and expert analysis, have noted that the lack of information about actual accidents has inhibited the ability to gather evidence about the role of WRBs as a cause of injuries and deaths, although information can be acquired through methods such as crash-test simulations and computer modeling. I understand that some countries have imposed a moratorium on the installation of WRBs until more information is available.

In the meantime, however, the ACT has continued to cite compliance with current standards as the justification for using WRBs. This approach is disappointing, for a number of reasons. First, it means that the ACT is proceeding in the face of widespread concerns about these ‘safety barriers’ constituting lethal hazards for motorcyclists, a category of road users whose numbers are continuing to grow. Second, it signals that, when it comes to road safety – which should be viewed as a significant public health issue – the ACT has no interest in taking a leadership role, as it has done with other public health issues, but is happy to take the easy, lazy option. A standard principle in public health is the ‘precautionary principle’: this holds that if an action or policy has a suspected risk of causing harm to the public, in the absence of a clear scientific consensus that the action or policy is harmful, the burden of proof that it is not harmful falls on those wishing to take the action. If it is possible to demonstrate, or to provide ‘proof’, that WRBs are not harmful to motorcyclists, this evidence should be provided. Third, the use of WRBs seems to rest on the assumption that, since no documented deaths have occurred in the ACT as a result of these barriers, no preventive action needs to be taken. Again, this is contrary to the approach adopted for the avoidance of other serious harms. Whose husband, wife, son, daughter, father or mother will be the one whose horrific death finally triggers a re-think about the use of these barriers?

No one plans on whether, when or where to have an accident. What we know is that accidents occur and that the approach of responsible authorities is to ensure that everything possible is done to minimise both the risk of accidents and the severity of their consequences.

Everyone wants to see a reduction in serious injuries and fatalities, and motorcyclists certainly value the protection that effective safety barriers give to them. It is of interest to note that the WRB manufacturers are taking note of motorcyclists’ concerns and in some countries, including New Zealand, are proposing to introduce modifications to the barriers specifically designed to address these concerns.

I would hope that, by working in consultation with accident research authorities, safety barrier manufacturers and representatives of all road users, agreement could be reached on the use of barriers which are effective but are less likely to cause such catastrophic injuries to vulnerable road users who each contribute, through their registration fees, to the ACT’s roads.

From: Coe, Alistair [mailto:Alistair.Coe@parliament.act.gov.au] On Behalf Of COE Sent:  13 October 2011 4:17 PM To: Subject: FW: Road safety: wire rope barriers

Dear Margo,

Thank you for your email and I’m sorry it has taken me a while to respond.

I recently met with Pete and Jen from the MRA and discussed the issue of WRBs amongst other issues affecting motorcycle riders. I also went on a ride with them to see what these issues are firsthand.

I am hoping the Minister has responded to your email by now, however if he hasn’t I am happy to pursue the issue further with him. Please let me know if you would like me to do this.

Thank you again for raising the issue with me.

Kind regards,

Alistair Coe MLA Liberal Member for Ginninderra
Shadow Minister for Urban Services;
Transport Services; Housing;
Heritage; and Youth
T: 02 6205 0101 F: 02 6205 3002
E: alistair.coe@parliament.act.gov.au W: www.alistaircoe.com.au
Legislative Assembly for the ACT GPO Box 1020 Canberra ACT 2601