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National Road Safety Week serves as an important call for every road user to reflect on how their behaviour behind the wheel impacts the safety of others, with the NHVR urging drivers to make safer choices to help reduce road trauma across Australia.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the theme of this year’s Road Safety Week - Drive So Others Survive – was a timely reminder that all road users had a part in reducing incidents on our nation’s roads.
“Every road user deserves to get home to their family safely, and both heavy vehicle and light vehicle drivers have a role to play to help make this happen,” he said.
“Data shows that human factors are the largest cause of crashes on our roads, with driver distraction, following too closely and speed the top three causes of accidents in this category. If we all think of the impacts our driving could have on others, our roads can be a safer place for everyone.”
Mr Salvati said that while the message of National Road Safety Week applied to all road users, it was especially relevant to drivers who had the added challenge of operating larger, heavier vehicles on our roads.
“We know that most heavy vehicle drivers do the right thing but unfortunately, fatigue remains one of the most significant contributors to serious incidents for the heavy vehicle industry,” he said.
“Our entire industry has a part to play in managing fatigue, so we are also calling on employers and operators to support their employees to remain vigilant in adhering to rest requirements while on the road.”
Heavy vehicle drivers who feel pressured by their employer to drive while fatigued are encouraged to call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.
Mr Salvati said it was also important that all light vehicle drivers, in particular young drivers, understood how to drive safely around heavy vehicles.
“In 4 out of 5 cases where incidents result in a fatality, light vehicle drivers are at fault so it’s imperative that these drivers slow down, stay alert and be patient around heavy vehicles on our roads and highways.
“Trucks require longer distances to stop safely and have multiple blind spots, meaning even though you can see the truck, the driver may not know you’re there.”
The NHVR produces a range of resources to educate drivers on how to share the road safely with heavy vehicles, including the popular Don’t #uck With a Truck campaign aimed at arming young drivers with techniques to drive safely around trucks.
Guidance and advice on heavy vehicle driver fatigue management can be found on the NHVR website as well as helpful resources and tips on sharing the road.
Further information on National Road Safety Week.