Driving is paying attention to the dozens of signs that we find along the way, but there is a new beacon that has caught the attention of the driving community because they don’t know what it is, and we are here to clear up any doubts.
They are small green reflectors that appear on the right side of some roads, and they are designed especially for truck drivers. Keep reading
What are these green reflectors?
They are a small indicator that indicates safe spaces on the road. Safe for what? To stop. They are areas where drivers can rest, check their vehicles or let other cars pass on single-lane roads. And their use has spread to all road users.
How are they used?
There is a code that is very simple, and it is through the green dots that appear on these reflectors.
- If there are three green reflectors, they indicate that the rest area is approximately 500 m away
- If there are two green reflectors, your safe destination is 250 meters away.
- A green reflector indicates that you have reached the safe area where you can stop your vehicle.
What are these areas?
As we said, it is a space, not very large, that is paved so that users can stop their cars, breathe, or simply let someone pass. The best thing of all is that it meets the basic safety requirements: basically making yourself visible on the road so that other users can see you and you are not in any danger.
Where did this idea come from?
Rod Hannifey, a truck driver from Australia, had a very dangerous experience back in 2000 that made him think a lot about road safety: a car tried to overtake his truck.
Determined to improve the road conditions, he started this project on the highway in Newell, New South Wales, with the aim of creating an easy way to help drivers identify safe areas to stop.
Over time, what seemed like a simple project was supported by local governments and was extended to other states that have continued with this project.
So does it benefit drivers?
Many drivers stop for a moment or even tow caravans, and it is important to bear in mind that rest areas are not always well signposted and these factors are a very simple solution to avoid sudden braking or dangerous manoeuvres.
A simple change can help improve the road situation on hundreds of roads. Hannifey claims that he had installed approximately 97% of the beacons that exist in Australia (although he has had support from governments), and his idea has won road safety awards over the last two decades.
A clear example that there are ideas that help us improve and make our journeys safer!