The Speed Adviser App has been available in New South Wales for a decade, and had 120,000 downloads.  As part of Rural Road Safety Month in September, the Government has unveiled a major update that has real relevance to western NSW. 

Speed Adviser is a mobile app that uses the GPS on your phone to monitor your location and speed, alerting the driver with visual and audible warnings if the speed limit is exceeded. Speed Adviser is for NSW roads only.  

The intuitive app also detects where mobile speed cameras may be in operation. While it will tell drivers when they enter a mobile speed camera zone, it doesn't know if a mobile speed camera will be in operation when they pass through. 

A new feature has just been included on the app, aiming to bolster safety at over 1,300 public road level crossings across our state. The update introduces visual and audio alerts to notify drivers as they approach these level crossings. 

Improved level crossing safety 

Particularly beneficial for motorists in regional NSW—where most level crossings are situated and are a regular part of many people's commutes—the updated app now provides timely warnings with the message “Caution, rail crossing ahead.” These alerts encourage drivers to reduce speed and stay vigilant, ensuring they are prepared for these crucial crossings. 

Between July 2014 and June 2024, there were 64 collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in NSW, resulting in 8 fatalities and 9 serious injuries. Other safety initiatives around train v road vehicle incidents include a $1.2 million trial of digital technology designed to improve level crossing safety in rural and regional areas. 

Launched in August, the trial is situated at Callaghans Lane Level Crossing near Quirindi, which is east of Coonabarabran. This is the first trial in NSW of the Rail Active Crossing System (RAXS), where the passive crossing will effectively become an active site with flashing lights at the crossing and advance warning signage on the road, triggered by an approaching train to alert motorists. 

The Callaghans Lane crossing was selected for the trial, managed by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC). because it met several criteria for a suitable site, including its fatal crash history, being the location of where a man died in a vehicle/ train accident in 2023. 

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said she was pleased to see the new feature added to the Speed Adviser App but reminded drivers they still need to be alert at all times. 

"A fatal collision can happen in just seconds. It's important for all of us to work together and drive responsibly, especially around level crossings, to prevent tragic crashes and ensure everyone returns home safely," she said. 

“While it’s a valuable tool for drivers, it’s important to remember it doesn’t replace the need for constant vigilance. Level crossing signs, flashing lights, boom gates, and road markings are there for a reason. Drivers, riders, and pedestrians must stay alert and follow the rules to keep themselves and everyone safe." 

The Speed Adviser app is available on Apple and Android devices. For more information about the Speed Adviser App, visit https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/speeding/speedadviser/about.html. 

Check Child Restraints 

Also focussing on road safety, this time for our smallest passengers,  Lachlan Shire Council are ensuring that children are safe and secure when travelling in vehicles with free child restraint checks by Authorised Child Restraint Fitters in Condobolin on Monday September 16th. 

Held bi-annually, Lachlan Shire Council's Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says that this free child restraint checking day is well patronised. 

"The correct fitting and adjustment of child restraints is vital. Research shows that two out of three child restraints are not being used properly and this puts children at risk of injury in the event of a crash," Ms Suitor said. 

"Most of the restraints we have checked at previous events have had minor problems that needed fixing to ensure the safety of the child - such as tightening and untwisting straps, fitting gated buckles and correcting the seatbelt's path through the restraint." 

“It is important to have your child restraint checked regularly after prolonged use and installed correctly before use to ensure that your precious cargo is safe," Ms Suitor said. 

Information about the child restraint laws, the types of restraints and advice on moving children from one restraint type to the next will also be available. 

The upcoming child restraint checking day will be held on Monday 16 September from 11am - 2pm at Central West Family Support Group (Lachlan Street, Condobolin). 

Bookings are essential - phone 6861 2364 to secure your place.