Crashes spark fatality fears
SOUTHSIDE residents living along Exhibition Rd fear a fatality on a "dangerous" section of the road after two traffic crashes, causing injuries, happened in the same spot within weeks.
A 76-year-old Gympie woman was taken to hospital on April 17 after her car was struck by two vehicles while she gave way to oncoming traffic, indicating to turn into Excelsior Rd Medical Centre from Exhibition Rd. Her small car was hit from behind and shunted into oncoming traffic.
Just weeks later on May 4, there was another crash at the same location. Neighbours said it had been a similar situation. It is believed passing traffic collided with a vehicle using the medical centre's driveway.
Exhibition Rd, originally known as Gympie-Woolooga Rd, is the responsibility of Transport and Main Roads.
A department spokeswoman said the road had a 60kmh speed limit.
"Prior to construction of the medical centre in 2010, Transport and Main Roads imposed conditions to improve motorists' access to the property, and these conditions were met by the developer," she said.
"This section of the road was widened to meet current design standards, to provide adequate shoulder width to allow through traffic to overtake any right-turning vehicles on the left when safe.
"The sight distance for eastbound motorists to view and react to turning traffic is also to standard.
"Under Queensland road rules, drivers are permitted to overtake to the left of a vehicle turning right from the centre of the road - when the vehicle is stationary, indicating right and when it is safe to do so."
The department has no plans to modify this section of road and joined emergency services personnel in reminding motorists that road safety was everyone's responsibility.
Drivers are reminded to observe the speed limit, be aware of their surroundings and the prevailing traffic conditions, and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Residents said in both cases the injured drivers had been doing the right thing.
