The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has released new guidance in a move to support industry uptake of rapidly emerging Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technologies (FDDT).
Described as a ‘big step forward’ in fatigue safety, the guidelines come in response to industry feedback which highlighted the need for greater clarification on the use of FDDTs.
Driver fatigue is a leading factor in truck crashes according to the NHVR. Under Australian law fatigue management is considered the responsibility of all parties in the supply chain. Most FDDTs are designed to improve these safety outcomes by delivering an immediate alert to a driver when it senses potential fatigue or distraction.
The latest fatigue safety guidelines are reported to address the regulatory responsibilities of companies responding to FDDT alerts and how to support an effective rollout of the technology among drivers and companies.
“We know industry is supportive of FDDT but is also eager for greater guidance on how to effectively implement it and to better understand their regulatory responsibilities in managing FDDT alerts and data,” said NHVR CEO, Sal Petroccitto.
“The NHVR studies on FDDT continually show the importance of the positive relationship between the company and driver and having an absolute authority to stop driving as key to improving safety.
“FDDT has been proven to play an influential role in reducing driver fatigue and distraction – and is a clear demonstration of how industry continues to innovate with safety technologies.”
South Australian Road Transport Association Executive Director, Steve Shearer, said Australian roads will be safer by providing operators with the tools and knowledge to effectively manage fatigue and distraction.
“There is little information available to industry on how to effectively use FDDT, which we know saves lives,” said Shearer.
“The benefit of the good practice guidance is it includes sample templates from transport companies using the technology, meaning they have been tested in the real world.
“We can continue to learn a lot about fatigue management from this technology as we get better at identifying and working with drivers to address the signs and cause of fatigue.”
Key features of the FDDT good practice guidance material:
An overview of the safety benefits and types of technologies available
Practical instructions on how to install, set-up and maintain FDDTs
Information and fillable templates on how to meet your safety duties under the HVNL
Fatigue and distraction event procedures and processes to reasonably respond to alerts
A set of guidelines providing a starting point on good practice options and a guidance summary are available on the NHVR website.
The post NHVR releases practical fatigue safety guidance appeared first on Trailer Magazine.