Passing lanes reduce crashes, speed up traffic - study

Passing lanes can reduce accidents by 16 per cent on highways, according to a new study from the Australia Road Research Board (ARRB). The report found overtaking lanes added to two-lane, two-way roads – the likes of which feature prominently in rural and semi-rural Australia – also reduce congestion by 10 per cent. Dr. Ian Espada from the ARRB described the lanes as a "good investment", arguing they offer "improvements in operation and safety benefits" for motorists.