Loving memory

By Lia Bichel
TRIBUTES for victims of fatal car crashes could eventually take the form of smaller but more permanent roadside crash indicators.
Casey councillor Wayne Smith urged the council to investigate implementing a roadsides crash indicator program, because he believed large floral tributes left near fatal accident scenes were potentially dangerous.
The program is currently run by the State Road Authorities in Tasmania and South Australia.
A report came back to councillors last week recommending not to adopt the program, as it would have minimal impact without being implemented statewide. But Cr Smith said something needed to be done to ensure safety on Casey roads.
The push for the markers comes after a car accident claimed the life of four young people at the intersection of Hallam and Ormond Road, Lynbrook in 2009.
About a week after the accident, another woman died in a tragic accident at the same intersection. It was believed she was distracted by the tribute left at the scene.
Local police made headlines across the state after they removed the tribute in an attempt to prevent any more fatalities.
Cr Smith said while the police were widely criticised for removing the tributes, he thought it was the safest option.
He said he hoped the Casey Council could get the support for the roadside indicator program from VicRoads and the State Government.
“I think it should be a statewide thing taken on by Vic Roads and the government, but I don’t think they are planning on doing anything – so we need to take the lead in Casey and hopefully other councils will follow,” Cr Smith said.
“I think (a roadside indicator) is a chance for families to have a permanent memorial for their loved ones and it also reminds other drivers to slow down or take care on the roads.
“It may not be as personal, but the current makeshift tributes people have are probably dangerous. We can’t ignore this- we have to face this problem and we need to find a good alternative for grieving families.”
Cr Smith said the council would have to investigate the cost involved, how the indicators would be implemented and would need to have the approval from VicRoads to put the roadside indicators on their land.
Casey Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Allen Inderwisch said the council would have the full support of local police.
“We understand people have the right to set up remembrance memorials at scenes where they have lost loved ones but there needs be a balance so that memorial sites are not hazardous and that there is a safe passage on the road,” Lead Sen Con Inderwisch said. “Something like this would form a great balance and would be welcomed in Casey.”
VicRoads director of safer roads Julian Lyngcoln said VicRoads respected the sensitive natures of families request to mark the location of a fatal road crash, it also considered that some people impacted by road trauma may not want a permanent memorial.
“VicRoads adopts the most effective ways of educating people about road safety, in particular the current education campaigns focus on targeting the things that lead to crashes,” Mr Lyngcoln said.
“Memorials and markers generally do not highlight what went wrong and what other motorists can do to reduce their risks.
“Other considerations include whether or not the proposed signage would be a distraction to other drivers or be a hazard in themselves if not constructed in an appropriate location, in an appropriate way and with appropriate materials.
“Some memorials require additional resources for maintenance and may make it harder to maintain the roadside or to do new works such as road widening.”