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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is proud to support this year’s Queensland Road Safety Week (QRSW), reinforcing its commitment to improving road safety for all Queenslanders.
As the nation’s regulator for heavy vehicles, the NHVR recognises the critical role the road freight industry plays across Queensland, and the shared responsibility of all motorists to create safer roads.
Running from 18-22 August 2025, QRSW is a state-wide initiative aimed at raising awareness about road safety and encouraging everyone to play their part in reducing road trauma – with 302 people losing their lives on Queensland roads in 2024, including 52 fatalities involving a heavy freight vehicle.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said QRSW highlighted the crucial role of collaborative efforts to ensure everyone travelling on Queensland roads gets home safely.
“Queensland Road Safety Week is a vital opportunity to remind both heavy vehicle operators and the broader community about their shared responsibility in keeping our roads safe,” Mr Salvati said.
“Heavy vehicle drivers operate under immense responsibility and challenging conditions – and they are what keep a large state, such as Queensland, moving.
“It’s a high-skill job, requiring constant attention to weight, length, blind spots and braking distances – so remember, if you’re sharing a road with a heavy vehicle, avoid lingering in areas where the driver may not be able to see you, and always allow plenty of space especially when a truck is turning.
“Whether you’re driving a truck on a freight route or heading to work in the family car, understanding how to safely interact with heavy vehicles plays a critical role in preventing serious incidents and saving lives.”
For heavy vehicle drivers, always ensure fatigue is being managed – including taking regular, quality breaks and complying with work and rest requirements.
“We know fatigue is a leading contribution to road incidents involving heavy vehicles,” Mr Salvati said.
“Be sure to recognise the signs of fatigue, and anyone feeling pressured to drive while fatigued should contact the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line.
“By working together, we can create safer roads and ensure that every journey, big or small, gets its driver safely to their destination.”
As part of its QRSW activities, the NHVR will be collaborating with key partners, including the Queensland Police Service and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, through roadside safety events, industry engagements, and public information sessions.
For more information on road safety and NHVR’s role in Queensland, visit www.nhvr.gov.au