Big trucks carrying large loads are what keeps Australia growing.
As a country we are in the middle of a major infrastructure boom, with state and federal governments across the nation pouring billions of dollars into super energy and renewable projects, while turbo-charging plans for road, rail, bridges and tunnels.
Earlier this year Melbourne witnessed the incredible movement of a 477-tonne, 125-metre-long load from the Wilson Transformer Company in Glen Waverley, through the city and onto the Waratah Super Battery Project in New South Wales.
The vision of the extraordinary load navigating through the night was striking, with the sheer size meaning it often swept across multiple lanes, with roads needing to be closed.
While the load was scheduled at night to minimise disruptions for other motorists, a movement of this size is always going to be challenging and require everyone to play their part on the road.
And as more projects get off the ground, the movement of Oversize Overmass (OSOM) vehicles carrying everything from transformers and wind turbines to mining equipment and major construction equipment, is predicted to increase.
It is why at the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) we have committed to a renewed focus on targeted safety advice towards both light vehicle drivers and fellow heavy vehicle drivers.
Navigating an OSOM load comes with a unique set of challenges for both the driver, and the escort vehicles accompanying it.
While there are varying laws in different jurisdictions, in Victoria, NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers are the ones charged with providing escort services to OSOM transport.
It is a challenging and dangerous task, with the convoy of pilot and escort services combined with the load potentially stretching for kilometres across both urban and rural areas.
Whether drivers are approaching an OSOM load from the front or behind, it is imperative they begin to slow down and prepare to await instructions from the escort team.
Those with a UHV Radio should switch to Channel 40 where the pilot vehicle can relay instructions, which may include stopping, pulling over or overtaking when clear.
Importantly, drivers should ensure they only pass the OSOM load when instructed to do so, as not following instructions can quickly evolve into a dangerous situation.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is drivers overtaking an escort vehicle and getting stuck between the vehicle and the OSOM load – a hazardous scenario which puts everyone at risk.
By law in Victoria, all drivers should remember the requirement to slow down to 40km/h when passing vehicles with flashing lights – which specifically includes the NHVR’s flashing magenta lights.
Unfortunately, we know it is not only light vehicle drivers who need to be reminded to take extra care and precaution on our roads when they are in the vicinity of an OSOM load.
Heavy vehicle drivers must too remain vigilant, and follow the same requirements of slowing down and following the instructions of any pilot or escort vehicles.
A collision or near-miss between a major OSOM load and another heavy vehicle has the potential to result in catastrophic consequences – a scenario no one in industry or the NHVR ever wants to see.
With more OSOM loads hitting the roads in the coming months and years, it is up to all of us to slow down, follow instructions, and make sure everyone makes it home safely.
Paul Simionato is the director southern region (operations), National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
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