The NHVR has launched its new Operation Omega alongside police to target road safety infringements across the country throughout December.

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM says the operation will run across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, seeing hundreds of officers conducting inspections on the ground to ensure heavy vehicle drivers comply with work and rest requirements.

“This year, we have sadly already seen 120 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles across Australia and 135 lives lost,” he says.

“Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads – which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas.

“Officers will conduct roadside checks, inspect logbooks and monitor driving behaviour to identify and prevent fatigue-related incidents occurring.”

Petroccitto says Operation Omega will see authorised officers focus their efforts across high-risk areas where driver fatigue poses significant danger.

“We are partnering with police across the country, increasing our patrols at identified high crash risk areas, during high fatigue risk hours,” he says.

“As part of the NHVR’s inform, educate and enforce approach, our officers will continue to work with industry to raise better awareness of the extreme risk that fatigue presents.”

From January to October this year, the NHVR recorded more than 1,750 fatigue-related offences across NSW, including heavy vehicle drivers exceeding their permitted work hours, or failing to record work and rest hours.

“While we understand the pressures and deadlines drivers may face during the busy festive period, cutting corners on rest is simply not an option,” Petroccitto says.

NSW roads minister John Graham joined Petroccitto at the announcement, saying that safety is critical when behind the wheel this holiday period with more people travelling longer distances on the road.

“I’d like to remind everybody, from new to experienced drivers, to be cautious on the road these holidays,” Graham says.

“This includes focusing on rest and taking breaks when needed, avoiding distraction and adhering to the speed limit. Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.

“The best gift we can all give this Christmas is contributing to safer roads – we want all road users to be able to enjoy the celebrations with their loved ones.

“Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads – which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas.”

The NHVR also encourages general motorists to refresh their knowledge on simple advice – such as not overtaking a turning truck and avoiding a truck’s blind spots – to help ensure everyone can make it to their destination safely.

Heavy vehicle drivers who feel pressured by their employer to drive while fatigued can call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline on 1800 931 785.