Victoria is piloting a new road safety initiative featuring distinctive circular markings intended to improve motorcyclist safety. These markings, known as perceptual countermeasures (PCM), are designed to encourage motorcyclists to maintain a safer position in their lane, particularly on winding roads and curves.
The primary goal of the PCMs is to prevent riders from drifting into oncoming traffic. By urging riders to "start wide and finish tight," the markings guide them to remain outside the circles, thereby maintaining a safe distance from the center line. This strategy is especially focused on right-hand curves, where the risk of drifting into opposing lanes is higher.
"Riders have a tendency to drift towards or across the centre line. That's obviously not a safe thing to do," said Mario Mongiardini, a road safety scientist at the University of Adelaide. "The first benefit (of the trial) is that riders will not invade the oncoming direction of travel if they cross the centre line."
The markings can also serve as a visual cue for drivers, signaling approaching sections of road with sharp turns or reduced visibility. Overseas trials have shown significant success in reducing motorcycle accidents. A 2019 trial in Austria reported a decrease in motorcycle crashes by up to 80 percent in some locations.
According to news.com.au, the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations has identified "an incorrectly chosen cornering line" as a cause for a large number of motorcyclist fatalities. The federation noted that even if a rider's upper body extends into the oncoming lane, it can be difficult to swerve without causing an accident if traffic suddenly appears. Motorcyclists generally tend to avoid riding on road markings.
The initiative is slated for a national rollout later this year, with funding allocated for trials in New South Wales, Tasmania, and Queensland. This follows other road safety efforts in Victoria, such as a 2019 trial on the Mornington Peninsula where speed limits were reduced on 33 roads. This measure resulted in a 68 percent reduction in serious crashes, leading to the permanent implementation of lower speed limits.
Australia's road toll has seen an increase for five consecutive years, with 1,326 deaths recorded in the 12 months leading up to July. This marks the first such consecutive yearly increase since 1952.