The highway initiative that’s saving drivers everywhere—have you seen it?
- Replies 11
There’s nothing more frustrating than hitting the road and feeling unprepared for the challenges that come with long trips.
But what if there was a solution that could make your journey safer, easier, and stress-free?
Keep reading to discover the clever initiative that’s catching the attention of drivers everywhere.
Locals voiced their excitement about a new highway initiative after it was shared on social media last weekend, with many highlighting its benefits for caravan and motorhome drivers.
But if you spotted a small green circle on a roadside reflector pole, would you know its purpose? If the answer is no, you’re not alone.
‘With the holiday season around the corner, I wanted to remind residents about green reflectors,’ federal MP Colin Boyce shared with constituents over the weekend.
‘You may have noticed some green reflectors on guide posts beside the road on some highways. These indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon, so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared,’ he wrote.
Drivers will see three green dots about 500 metres from a safe pull-over spot. As they get closer, two green circles appear, signalling the area is approximately 250 metres away. Finally, one green circle marks the approach to the safe spot.
The concept was developed by road safety advocate and B-double truck driver Rod Hannifey, according to Boyce. ‘The idea is to alert drivers that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up,’ the Queensland MP added.
‘While originally designed with long-haul truck drivers in mind, these reflectors are useful for all road users.’
‘A lot more people need to know about this. Especially people with caravans,’ one woman commented enthusiastically.
Another added: ‘Would love this all over Australia! There's nothing worse than driving at night with a screaming baby in the back who wants a feed and not knowing if it's a safe place to pull over.’
Despite the praise, it became evident that many residents were unfamiliar with the reflective green markers’ purpose.
‘Have asked a few people recently if they knew what these reflectors stood for, and not one knew. Explanation followed. Should be a compulsory question asked of caravaners,’ a local noted.
‘One of the world's best-kept secrets! Thanks,’ another person wrote.
As caravan sales have soared in recent years, authorities have raised concerns about the rising number of caravan-related accidents.
Queensland has faced a devastating surge in road fatalities this year, with the state recording 278 deaths as of 1 December.
This figure marks a 9.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a 12.3 per cent rise above the five-year average.
The Bruce Highway, a critical route stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, has been flagged as the state’s most dangerous road.
Issues like rough surfaces, narrow lanes, limited overtaking opportunities, and inadequate two-lane sections contribute to its reputation.
As the Christmas holiday approaches, authorities are bracing for what could become Queensland’s deadliest year on the roads.
With caravaners making up a growing proportion of road users, there is a pressing need for greater education on road safety measures, including awareness of initiatives like the green reflectors.
While the idea of designated rest stops has garnered widespread support, these markers remain under-recognised.
Advocates are calling for an extensive public awareness campaign to ensure all drivers, particularly those towing caravans, understand their purpose.
Have you ever noticed these markers during your travels, or is this the first you’re hearing about them? Let us know your thoughts in the comment below!
But what if there was a solution that could make your journey safer, easier, and stress-free?
Keep reading to discover the clever initiative that’s catching the attention of drivers everywhere.
Locals voiced their excitement about a new highway initiative after it was shared on social media last weekend, with many highlighting its benefits for caravan and motorhome drivers.
But if you spotted a small green circle on a roadside reflector pole, would you know its purpose? If the answer is no, you’re not alone.
‘With the holiday season around the corner, I wanted to remind residents about green reflectors,’ federal MP Colin Boyce shared with constituents over the weekend.
‘You may have noticed some green reflectors on guide posts beside the road on some highways. These indicate that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up soon, so you can indicate your intentions early and be prepared,’ he wrote.
Drivers will see three green dots about 500 metres from a safe pull-over spot. As they get closer, two green circles appear, signalling the area is approximately 250 metres away. Finally, one green circle marks the approach to the safe spot.
The concept was developed by road safety advocate and B-double truck driver Rod Hannifey, according to Boyce. ‘The idea is to alert drivers that there is a safe place to pull off the road coming up,’ the Queensland MP added.
‘While originally designed with long-haul truck drivers in mind, these reflectors are useful for all road users.’
‘A lot more people need to know about this. Especially people with caravans,’ one woman commented enthusiastically.
Another added: ‘Would love this all over Australia! There's nothing worse than driving at night with a screaming baby in the back who wants a feed and not knowing if it's a safe place to pull over.’
Despite the praise, it became evident that many residents were unfamiliar with the reflective green markers’ purpose.
‘Have asked a few people recently if they knew what these reflectors stood for, and not one knew. Explanation followed. Should be a compulsory question asked of caravaners,’ a local noted.
‘One of the world's best-kept secrets! Thanks,’ another person wrote.
As caravan sales have soared in recent years, authorities have raised concerns about the rising number of caravan-related accidents.
Queensland has faced a devastating surge in road fatalities this year, with the state recording 278 deaths as of 1 December.
This figure marks a 9.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a 12.3 per cent rise above the five-year average.
The Bruce Highway, a critical route stretching from Brisbane to Cairns, has been flagged as the state’s most dangerous road.
Issues like rough surfaces, narrow lanes, limited overtaking opportunities, and inadequate two-lane sections contribute to its reputation.
As the Christmas holiday approaches, authorities are bracing for what could become Queensland’s deadliest year on the roads.
With caravaners making up a growing proportion of road users, there is a pressing need for greater education on road safety measures, including awareness of initiatives like the green reflectors.
While the idea of designated rest stops has garnered widespread support, these markers remain under-recognised.
Advocates are calling for an extensive public awareness campaign to ensure all drivers, particularly those towing caravans, understand their purpose.
Have you ever noticed these markers during your travels, or is this the first you’re hearing about them? Let us know your thoughts in the comment below!
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