❓ A parliamentary question addresses the use, cost, and safety of wire-cable crash barriers on WA roads, particularly concerning motorcyclist injuries. The government's response defends their use based on cost-effectiveness and overall safety benefits.
AnsweredQoN 1087Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
WIRE-CABLE CRASH BARRIERS
(1) What is the extent of the use of wire-cable crash barriers on Main Roads’ roads? (2) Why have wire-cable barriers been installed in preference to other forms of crash barrier? (3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA
(1) What is the extent of the use of wire-cable crash barriers on Main Roads’ roads? (2) Why have wire-cable barriers been installed in preference to other forms of crash barrier? (3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(2) Why have wire-cable barriers been installed in preference to other forms of crash barrier? (3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable.
(2) Why have wire-cable barriers been installed in preference to other forms of crash barrier? (3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(3) What are the relative costs of wire-cable barriers compared with other forms of crash barriers? (4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(4) Has it been shown that wire barriers cause more serious injury to motorcyclists, such as traumatic amputation of limbs or decapitation? (5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(5) If yes to (4), what will the government do to replace this type of barrier or make it safer? Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
Hon ADELE FARINA replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question. (1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(1) At the end of 2005 wire rope barriers had been installed on approximately 46 kilometres of the road network. This equates to less than 0.3 per cent of the Main Roads and National Highway network. (2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(2) Wire rope barriers have been used in Western Australia and other jurisdictions across Australia for a number of years because it is very efficient in preventing errant vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with other hazards; for example, trees and oncoming vehicles. The wire rope barriers are regarded as providing a safer and more forgiving environment for the majority of road users. (3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(3) The cost of installing wire barrier systems is approximately $100 per metre, which is cheaper than other barrier systems. A significant advantage of wire rope barriers is that they are easier and quicker to reinstate after a crash. (4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(4) The incidence of motorcyclists hitting safety barriers is a very small part of the total motorcycle crash problem. There is no direct evidence of wire rope barriers presenting a greater risk to motorcycle riders in Western Australia than any other safety barrier system. The only fatality involving a motorcyclist and wire rope occurred on the Kwinana Freeway when the barrier was hit after the driver had already collided with two cars at speed. (5) Not applicable.
(5) Not applicable.
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