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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has issued an urgent reminder to all road users to ensure they are rested and safe to drive before hitting the road, with fatigue continuing to be one of the primary causes of all road fatalities across the country.
With Queensland Road Safety Week (26-30 August) shining the spotlight on motorists' behaviour on the road, NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said driver fatigue behind the wheel could have disastrous outcomes.
“Fatigue significantly increases the likelihood of any driver behind the wheel being involved in an incident on our roads,” Mr Petroccitto said.
From January to June 2024, in Queensland the NHVR saw more than 180 fatigue related offences across the heavy vehicle sector, including drivers exceeding their permitted work hours, or failing to record work and rest hours.
“What we are saying to all road users is driving while tired is simply not worth the risk.
“For our truck drivers out there, I want to remind you that it does not matter what time pressures or deadline you are working to your safety and the safety of all road users is far more important,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“Our heavy vehicle drivers need to ensure they consciously manage the amount of work they do in a 24-hour period and rest any time they feel tired.
“To the transport companies and those across the heavy vehicle supply chain – remember your driver’s safety is paramount and you need to be ensuring you are operating within your safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law this includes ensuring your drivers are rested and safe to drive.
“Parties in the Chain of Responsibility, especially employers and operators, need effective control measures in place to manage fatigue.”
Employers and operators need to implement procedures and journey planning that consider heavy vehicle driver fatigue. It’s important to carry out regular welfare calls to ensure the safety of heavy vehicle drivers and other road users.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers in Queensland provide education to drivers based on the compliance breaches detected.
“Heavy vehicle drivers travelling across Queensland, particularly in regional and remote areas, can expect to receive education from our on-road officers on their safety obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.”
The NHVR and Queensland Police Service invite the heavy vehicle industry to stop in and have a chat about road safety at Roadside Information Hubs held from 26-30 August across key route areas in Moonie, Goondiwindi, Charlton and North Toowoomba.
For more information on the Roadside Information Hubs visit www.nhvr.gov.au/events