Latest news with #RodHannifey
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Meaning behind little-known roadside marker revealed
For travellers exploring the country, it's not unusual to come across a road sign or marking that is unfamiliar, especially as different states tend to have their own versions. For one Aussie explorer, it was a roadside marker in Western Australia that left them scratching their head. Posting a photo to Facebook of a black and white striped reflector pole, the woman said she was travelling the Nullarbor and had seen 'a lot' of the posts but was unsure of their meaning. The photo attracted all sorts of answers, with someone saying it was a 'zebra crossing', while another joked that it meant 'Collingwood supporters are ahead'. But the true reason for the unique paint job lies underneath the road. Posts with diagonal black stripes on a white reflective background are used to signal that a low culvert is nearby, a spokesperson for Main Roads Western Australia confirmed to Yahoo. 'The markers are most often used in remote areas,' the spokesperson said. 'They indicate to drivers… that the ground in the vicinity is lower and uneven, and there may be a significant drop off encountered. Essentially, the markers replace normal white guideposts where there is a low culvert in the vicinity.' The department added that other states around Australia use blue markers to denote a low culvert, which may be the reason it seemed unfamiliar to the driver. 💧 Photo reveals 'surprising' change at holiday lake as Aussies left 'suffering' 🛞 Chaos as HUNDREDS of tyres 'shredded' during rush hour 🦈 Warning as 'very large amount' of great white sharks spotted off coast Last week, another little-known road marker had drivers wondering about its hidden message. Regular white roadside posts were spotted with green dots installed on them, and while they may not appear important, they can in fact, be a life-saving sign for long-distance travellers. The green dot road initiative was created several years ago by road safety advocate and truck driver Rod Hannifey, who was routinely trying to find a good spot to pull over because he was tired, but by the time he could spot one, he would be passed it. Approximately 500 meters from a safe place to pull over, drivers will notice three green dots under the standard red reflector. Getting closer, two green circles will appear on the post indicating the pullover spot is about 250 metres ahead. Finally, one green circle appears just before the rest area. The markings are not just for truckies either. All motorists are encouraged to look out for the markers as a sign that a safe spot to pull over is just up ahead. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The meaning behind little-known marker appearing on 'more and more' Aussie roads
Aussie drivers have been urged to pay attention to a little-known marker that is 'appearing more and more' on major roads. In NSW and Queensland, motorists have likely noticed green reflective dots on sign posts installed on the side of busy highways, completely unaware of their meaning. While the simple circles may not appear important, they can in fact be a vital sign for travellers. Experienced Aussie caravanner Keith 'Harry' Hodges, who documents his adventures online, said many recent campsite chats have revealed just how few people are aware of the green dot road initiative. It was created several years ago by road safety advocate and truck driver Rod Hannifey, who was routinely trying to find a good spot to pull over because he was tired — but by the time he found one, he would be passed it. Approximately 500 meters from a safe place to pull over, drivers will notice three green dots under the standard red reflector. Getting closer, two green circles will appear on the post indicating the pull-over spot is about 250 metres ahead. Finally, one green circle appears just before the rest area. 'These green dots can be found more and more on New South Wales and Queensland roads,' Hodges said. 'They are not limited to just trucks, motorhomes or car and caravans, they are there for any motorists to pull over and let traffic past.' In January, Transport for NSW announced it had marked 14 new green reflector sites 'on important freight routes' in the state's south to improve road safety. Since 2020, on average there have been 47 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks each year. The rollout of more reflective markers 'will go a long way in enabling truck drivers to stop and rest on what can be very long journeys, particularly at night,' Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said. 🚘 Drivers warned over incredibly 'dangerous' passenger move on roads 🚤 Caravan and boat owners targeted by council in new push for law change 👮 Drivers warned as little-known reason for 'secret' police RBT tactic revealed Hannifey described the move as a 'big win'. 'Green reflector sites have made a real difference out on the road. Another driver told me it had saved their life. It's such a simple idea, but it's already saving lives,' he said. Although the concept was designed for heavy transport, you don't need to be a truck driver or towing a caravan to use the space indicated by the dots, as any motorist can pull up in the safe zone. The sites can be used as a safe place to stop if you're towing a heavy vehicle and traffic is piling up behind, or if you need a break from driving. However, the areas are not suitable for overnight or extended stays. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
