The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has issued an urgent reminder to all road users to ensure they are rested and safe to drive ahead of Queensland Road Safety Week.
With Queensland Road Safety Week taking place from 26-30 August, and fatigue being one of the leading causes of road deaths in Australia, the NHVR is highlighting the dangers of unrested driving.
Between January and June this year, Queensland saw over 180 fatigue-related road incidents across the heavy vehicle sector – ranging from drivers exceeding permitted work hours to failing to record both work and rest hours.
NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto, has spoken out in an effort to inform all motorists of the risks in spite of industry-related pressures.
“Fatigue significantly increases the likelihood of any driver behind the wheel being involved in an incident on our roads,” he said.
“For our truck drivers out there, I want to remind you that it does not matter what time pressures or deadlines you are working to.
“Your safety and the safety of all road users is far more important.”
The NHVR is calling for employers and operators to apply measures and journey planning which will take heavy vehicle driver fatigue into account, ensuring the welfare of all motorists and road users.
NHVR COO, 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,” he said.
The NVHR and Queensland Police Service are welcoming the heavy vehicle industry to participate in the road safety discussion during Queensland Road Safety Week by attending roadside information hubs held across key routes in Moonie, Goondiwindi, Charlton and North Toowoomba.
In other news, the Tasmanian Government has welcomed an inquiry into the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme.
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