Latest news with #ruralroads
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Brutal outback photo sparks warning to Aussie drivers: 'Consider the legalities'
An experienced outback traveller is urging Australian motorists to stay vigilant on rural roads, especially in regions with roaming livestock — highlighting not just the serious safety risks of animal collisions, but the potential legal consequences for drivers as well. Simon Christie is a well-respected voice in the 4WD and touring community in Australia and shared a disturbing example that highlights the dangers. A photo taken at the time of the incident shows a cow that was killed on an outback road northeast of Alice Springs, in the Northern Territory, after it was obscured by a cloud of dust created by a passing truck before it was ultimately hit by the driver of a ute. Simon snapped a photo of the collision aftermath when it happened last year but recently shared it with a caravanning community page online before describing the confronting scene to Yahoo News. "A truck was coming the opposite way, and a dual-cab ute was heading the same way as us, just in front. In the dust behind the truck, a cow suddenly stepped out onto the road," Simon said. "The ute had a proper steel bull bar fitted and was travelling at a safe speed, but it couldn't avoid the cow. It hit it head-on, and the impact instantly killed it. "The cow landed in the middle of the road, and the driver pulled over safely, and we were able to pull up behind them. Thankfully, they were medically fine, and the vehicle only had minor damage — it was completely driveable thanks to the bull bar." Simon said this reflects how conditions can change in an instant, especially on dark, outback roads, and it highlights the life-saving benefits of having a proper bull bar fitted. "We helped drag the cow off the road using a recovery chain attached to the back of my caravan, because leaving it on the road would have been incredibly dangerous — especially at night," he said. "Someone else could have hit it, including a semi-trailer, which could cause a major crash. Plus, the carcass could attract predators like foxes and dingoes, creating more road hazards." Simon, of 4WDTV, arrived at "just the right time to help" and was able to tow the animal off the road despite also towing a caravan himself. But, "incidents like this are actually quite common", and he encouraged drivers to be aware of how they can stay safe in the event of similar scenarios. Calls grow for total 4WD ban on Australian beaches Outback neighbours in bitter $400,000 battle over 28km fence Air crew makes exciting 'once-in-a-lifetime' discovery in outback "If someone hits livestock, and they're equipped and know what they're doing, moving the animal off the road is the right and responsible thing to do. A lot of four-wheel drivers carry recovery gear, like winches and drag chains, and can do it safely," he said. "Night-time adds to the risks — poor visibility makes it harder to spot animals. That's why our vehicles are fitted with steel bull bars and a lot of aftermarket lighting — front, side, and corner lighting. It's basically as close to daylight as we can make it." He said the overarching message is simple: be aware, understand the risks, and drive to the conditions. "If that means slowing down, then slow down," he said. "And if you need to drive at night, make sure your vehicle is properly equipped — bull bars and lighting are essential. Factory headlights alone aren't enough out here." It's also important to consider the legalities, Simon said, adding that in some states, if livestock is on a road and is hit, the driver may be liable for the animal's death — or vice versa. "If the road is fenced and the animal got through a broken gate or fence, the farmer might be liable. But on unfenced roads with cattle grids, like in the outback, it's your responsibility to drive with caution, the animals are allowed to roam," he said. Drivers "should absolutely report these incidents", either to local authorities or the nearest town. "That can help with insurance, too, and it makes sure others are aware of the hazard," Simon added. A spokesperson from the Everything Caravan and Camping group, who shared the photo initially, echoed Simon's plea. "The key message for caravan owners, and all travellers, is to stay vigilant, particularly in outback areas where conditions can change quickly and visibility can be poor," a spokesperson told Yahoo. "Hitting an animal can be tragic and extremely dangerous, not just for the driver but for anyone else on the road. "And while every incident is different, we always encourage travellers to act with care and responsibility. If it's safe and legal to do so, removing roadkill can help prevent further harm to others, as Simon and his team did in this case." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Sad sound in truckie video show brutal reality of Aussie roads
Disturbing video shared online by a heavy vehicle driving school has illustrated the great dangers involved for those piloting big rigs on Aussie roads. The raw footage, first put online by Ultimate Truckers and then shared by Macquarie Driving School, shows a female learner truckie forced to deal with a family of kangaroos that jump out in front of her truck on a rural road. The learner driver and her instructor are travelling along the wide, open road when a female adult kangaroo and two of her joeys hop out in front of her. The driver is urged to 'keep it straight' and not to attempt to avoid a collision with the revered native animals. The instructor can be heard repeating the commands to the trainee truckie before a loud clunk is heard. The instructor praises his student who replies: 'Yuck I hate that sound'. 'But I'm not going to jeopardise oncoming traffic and our lives for one kangaroo.' The mother kangaroo avoided being run down by the rig, but her joeys were not so lucky. HEARTBREAKING REALITY Macquarie Driving School instructor Michael Matta told Yahoo News, that while the reality of animals being killed on Australian roads was 'heartbreaking' it was best practice for those behind the wheel to keep the vehicle steady. Professional drivers and those driving on rural roads for work purposes are usually advised not to brake or try to avoid the animals, as illustrated in the Ultimate Truckers footage, but that best practice is simply to keep on driving in order to avoid a more serious accident and even a fatal one. In the footage shared, traffic can be seen coming in the other direction, a potential hazard if the truckie was to swerve. 'It's very bad to hit animals. Some of our drivers pull over and call wildlife services. But sometimes it's not practical or safe to stop,' he said 'If they hit the brakes as hard as they can that's not good because the vehicle can lose balance. If you swerve they could hit other cars around them. 'From the beginning drivers should always be scanning around, having good observation and not getting distracted but sometimes it's out of their hands. They can be driving at high speed and it can look like nothing is there then suddenly something jumps out in front of the road.' 10 MILLION KILLED EVERY YEAR According to a University of Melbourne study from last year, more than 10 million animals are killed on Australian roads each year. Certainly, it can be unusual to drive in rural Australia for more than a few kilometres on major highways and not see roadkill. Half the drivers surveyed for the report said they had hit animals including wallabies and deer in National Parks in NSW but most were not keen to drive more slowly or avoid driving at dawn or dusk when many animals are out searching for food Animal behaviouralists put kangaroos' bad road sense – just don't call it that – down to the fact they can't see vehicles properly but also their poor perception of how fast cars are travelling and hence the time they have to avoid them. According to insurance giant AAMI, animals collisions jumped 22 per cent year on year through to June 2024 – and that 54 per cent of drivers had been involved in an animal collision, with the majority happening on rural and regional roads. The research from AAMI found more than 40 per cent of Aussie drivers don't pay attention to wildlife warning signs, and most drivers (60 per cent) would dangerously swerve or slam on the brakes to avoid colliding with an animal, putting themselves and other drivers at risk. Kangaroos were the most common animal hit, via the study. WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT The research found one in 10 Aussies don't know what they would do if they crashed into an animal. Just as worryingly, there doesn't seem to be any immediate solution available to the hazards posed by wildlife on our roads and drivers' reaction to them. The Melbourne Uni study said many drivers ignore warning signs and that wildlife whistles affixed to cars to alert animals can not be heard adequately above traffic noise. Fences and crossings can work but they are too costly to be widely implemented. It is hoped that increased advancements in anti-collision technology in vehicles could go some way to alleviating the situation. The above incident also highlights the mental demand places on Aussie truckies – two in three truckies feel unsafe on the road and a new mental health campaign featuring Shane Jacobson is targeting the crisis. 'We have some of the longest, long haul roads, the most isolated roads, literally, on planet Earth,' Jacobon said. 'These aren't great working conditions. They're good jobs, they're great jobs, but they're not great working conditions for mental health. So that's what we're here to combat, the kind of life of someone on the road.'
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Gombe govt approves construction of over 74km of rural roads
The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, on Wednesday approved the construction of over 74 kilometres of rural roads, alongside several capital projects and compensation packages aimed at accelerating infrastructure development across the state. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation, Hon. Mijinyawa Ardo Tilde, during a press briefing following the 46th State Executive Council Meeting held at the EXCO Chamber, Government House, Gombe. According to Hon. Tilde, the Council also ratified the handover of Kumo General Hospital to the Federal Government for its conversion into a Federal Medical Centre. Providing further details, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Usman Maijama'a Kallamu, explained that the 74.69 kilometres of rural roads approved will be executed in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), across four Local Government Areas. Engr. Kallamu noted that the approved roads include: 25km Kembu–Kidda–Panda–Garin Alhaji Road in Akko LGA; 18km Kwanan Daniya–Daban Fulani–Bajoga Magaba Road in Funakaye LGA; and 31km Dukku–Zaune Road in Dukku LGA. According to him, 'The counterpart funding approved for these projects, and others previously executed under RAAMP, amounts to ₦3 billion.' In a related development, the Council approved ₦545 million as augmentation for the Kumo–Luggerewo–Papa Road to ensure its timely completion, with the contractor given a one-month deadline to finalise the work. For the long-delayed Ture–Gelengu Road, originally awarded by a previous administration, the Council approved an augmentation of ₦7.6 billion, reflecting the rising cost of materials due to inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. In Balanga LGA, the government approved ₦2.4 billion for the construction of a 4.5km road linking Talasse Road to Balanga Gari, with a completion timeline of eight months. Speaking on financial matters, the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Hon. Muhammad Gambo Magaji, announced several strategic funding approvals, including support for the 2025 Hajj operations. 'In line with the National Hajj Commission's requirements and to ease financial transactions for our pilgrims, the state government provided $481,000, representing $500 per pilgrim for 969 intending pilgrims. We received a reimbursement of ₦769 million from NAHCON in Naira to facilitate this,' he explained. Additionally, the Council ratified the release of ₦334 million in compensation for properties affected by road projects under the BAP 4 initiative and the dualisation of the road from Police Headquarters Junction to FCT(T). The Executive Council also approved ₦5.2 billion as counterpart funding for the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) projects for 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Approval was also granted for the release of the remaining 2025 counterpart funds when due. A major highlight of the approvals is the compensation for communities affected by the multi-billion Naira gully erosion control project to be executed under the World Bank-funded ACReSAL Project. The affected corridor runs from Abdullahi Ganduje Road to Government Girls Science Secondary School, Doma, covering approximately 30 kilometres. To further boost industrial development, the Council approved ₦5.5 billion for the completion of the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park, a flagship economic project initiated four years ago. The funds will be used to provide critical infrastructure and facilities required for the park to commence full operations. 'So far, more than nine companies have either completed or are setting up their facilities at the park. Once completed, it will position Gombe State as a major industrial hub, attract investments, and create wealth and jobs for our people,' said Hon. Gambo Magaji. To ensure continued access to potable water in Gombe metropolis and its environs, the Council approved ₦2.1 billion for the annual operation and maintenance of the Gombe Regional Water Supply Project, managed by GCC Company since its inception in 2007, as stated in a release by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General (Press Affairs), Government House, Gombe.
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Three major driving test changes to be trialled across UK that could speed up exams for thousands of learners
THREE major driving test changes to be trialled across the UK are set to speed up exams for thousands of learners. The DVSA is rolling out the updated tests in an initial 20 centres across the country in a bid to improve exam efficiency and road safety. 1 This comes as data recorded between 2019 and 2023 revealed that 48 per cent of casualties in collisions involving young car drivers occur on rural roads. During this time period, 16 per cent of younger car drivers involved in accidents did not wear seat belts, which was the highest proportion of all age groups. The changes to driving tests will focus on replicating real-life conditions so as to better prepare young people when they pass. They will also speed up exams for thousands of learners. Here is a full list of the changes. Independent driving Currently, tests include a period of independent driving using a sat nav. Learners will now need to navigate themselves for the whole test. Emergency stops The number of emergency stops will be reduced from one in three tests to one in seven. This will help speed up tests. Number of stops At present, learners must complete four stops but under the new trial they will only need to do three. These changes come as the driving authority also changed the rules around cancelling tests. Learner drivers now need to give the DVSA 10 days notice if they want to change or cancel their test. The new rules only apply to car driving tests, as motorcycle, lorry and bus learners only need to provide three days notice to make changes to their exam time. This also applies to theory tests, which also only require three days notice. How to book your driving test You can book your driving test online by visiting You'll be put in a queue when you start booking your driving test - you'll be told how long you'll need to wait once you begin. This is faster than booking by phone because the phone lines are very busy at the moment. You can book a test up to 24 weeks in the future. There is no waiting list or cancellation list. This service is available from 6am to 11:40pm. You need your: UK driving licence number credit or debit card driving instructor's personal reference number if you want to check they're available Budding motorists should be aware that the notice period applies to working days, which means Monday to Saturday count but Sunday and public holidays do not. Why have the rules changed? The government website has stated that the primary reason for changing the rules is because of an increasing number of tests going unused. As learner drivers approach their test day, many decide they are not ready to sit it and leave it to the last minute to change or cancel the exam. As it's so close to the test date, it can be hard for others to make the appropriate arrangements to use the appointment meaning many tests go to waste. In 2024, about 60,000 appointments were wasted because of no-shows, according to the government site. This has made booking tests harder with longer wait times. As a result, DVSA is thinking of further ways to discourage people from cancelling their tests last minute. Learner drivers currently have to wait 10 working days before being able to book another test but this could be set to increase in the future. DVSA is also considering charging a penalty fee in order to cease the number of last minute cancellations and changes. For anyone needing to change or cancel their test because of special circumstances such as an illness, injury, or if they have suffered a bereavement then they can request a refund. This is also applicable to anyone needing to take an exam or who has had their driving license stolen. Roads minister Lilian Greenwood previously said: "Passing your driving test is a life changing opportunity for millions. "But sky-high waiting times for tests in recent years have denied that opportunity to too many people. "No one should have to wait six months when they're ready to pass, travel to the other side of the country to take a driving test. "Nor should they be ripped off by unscrupulous websites just because they can't afford to wait. "The scale of the backlog we have inherited is huge, but today's measures are a crucial step to tackle the long driving test wait times. DVSA is an agency which focuses on driving tests, vehicle standards, and road safety enforcement. This differs to the DVLA which handles vehicle licensing.
