NHVR

Fatality Free Friday

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In the lead up to Fatality Free Friday, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is urging everyone to put in an extra effort to reduce the risk of accidents.

One of the areas of concern for the NHVR is the South Eastern Freeway which drops down out of the Adelaide Hills into the city. In 2018, this road carried an average of 50,000 vehicles per day, with approximately 4,400 of these classed as heavy vehicles.

A maximum 60km/h speed limit applies to all trucks and buses from the Crafers interchange to the bottom of the freeway. The speed limit for all other vehicles is 90km/h and drivers should remember to always drive according to the prevailing road conditions.

All road users are reminded and particularly heavy vehicle drivers that the last seven kms of the South Eastern Freeway comprises a very long and steep descent that, although the gradient becomes less severe near the bottom of the Freeway, it does continue downhill through a signalised intersection and into an urban area.

The NHVR has urged heavy vehicle drivers to take extra care when using Adelaide’s South Eastern Freeway ahead of tomorrow’s Fatality Free Friday.

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the NHVR had investigated operators involved in two incidents on the downhill stretch of road over the past week.

“This stretch of road includes a long descent into Adelaide where heavy vehicle drivers need to be mindful of their own road safety and that of others particularly when carrying heavy loads,” said Paul. “It’s a timely reminder for those who use this road regularly to take care and reinforce the Fatality Free Friday message – always be fit to drive, stay focused on the road, scan the road ahead, keep a safe distance and drive to suit the conditions.

 “If heavy vehicle drivers are unfamiliar with this stretch of road, we recommend they take the time to drive it in a light vehicle beforehand or check out one of the video or simulator resources available.”

 South Australian road laws require drivers on this stretch of freeway to use a gear that is low enough to enable the vehicle to be driven safely without the use of a primary brake and not drive at a speed in excess of the relevant speed limit.

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Fatality Free Friday

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