A Calder Highway intersection that has seen numerous crashes - some fatal - does not have to be dangerous, so long as drivers pay attention and follow the road rules, a police officer says.
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Bendigo Highway Patrol Senior Sergeant Ian Brooks said the intersection of Fogartys Gap Road and the Calder Highway at Ravenswood South had a history of quite serious collisions.
Government data dating back to 2013 shows there were nine crashes at the intersection between December 2013 and February 2019, one of which claimed the lives of two people.
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There were also three serious injury crashes, and five other crashes that resulted in injury to occupants of the vehicles involved.
More recently, the intersection saw a two-car collision on October 13, which resulted in minor injuries.
But Senior Sergeant Brooks said he did not believe the intersection needed any safety upgrades.
"I think people need to pay attention to the signage on the intersection, they need to pay attention to the traffic and understand the traffic is travelling, or is supposed to be travelling, at 80 km/h," Senior Sergeant Brooks said.
Most crashes at the site were the result of people failing to give way, he said, and drivers misjudging the speed of traffic as they tried to cross the highway.
Senior Sergeant Brooks said motorists on the highway often through the area, which contributed, but drivers crossing the highway needed to "take their time and have a good look".
He said the intersection was quite clear in terms of visibility of traffic.
"The intersection is safe when people obey the rules," he said.
In 2015, the speed limit on the Calder Highway in the vicinity of Fogartys Gap Road was dropped from 100 km/h to 80 km/h, to help reduce the risk of road trauma.
Regional Roads Victoria crews visit the intersection twice a week.
"Keeping people safe on our roads is at the forefront of everything we do," RRV northern regional director Brian Westley said.
"Our specialist safety crews are out there every day carrying out road safety, maintenance and hazard inspections across the entire arterial road network."
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
