The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has warned the heavy vehicle industry to take fatigue seriously this Easter holidays as it prepares a new operation to tackle non-compliance.
Over the holidays, Operation Omega II will see the regulator join police across the country to ensure heavy vehicle drivers are educated about the risks of driving while tired or impaired.
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NHVR chief operating officer Paul Salvati says Safety and Compliance Officers in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania will focus on both education and compliance to ensure safer roads this Easter.
“This operation, which also ran during last year’s Christmas period, will see the NHVR continue our partnership with police to prevent fatigue-related incidents from occurring,” he says.
“From conducting roadside checks and inspecting logbooks, to monitoring driving behaviours and providing driver education, we’ll be prioritising the safety of all road users.”
Salvati says there have been 23 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles across Australia this year.
“Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy and entirely preventable,” he says.
“Unfortunately, fatigue continues to be one of the biggest issues for the heavy vehicle industry.
“We know from our compliance and education activities that fatigue offences occur at a higher rate during nighttime hours, even with less vehicles on the road, and fatigue-related crashes can have the deadliest outcomes for drivers.
“Managing the risk of fatigue extends beyond just drivers to employers and other parties in the supply chain. As part of the NHVR’s inform, educate and enforce approach, we want to work with all of industry to increase safety.”
Salvati says over busy periods like Easter, drivers faced pressures like tight delivery deadlines, but said they also needed to be cautious of more holiday-goers out and about.
“Busier roads mean it’s imperative for all of industry to be cautious and combat the serious risk fatigue can pose,” he says.
“Drivers simply cannot operate a heavy vehicle if they’re impaired by fatigue, even if within work and rest requirements.
“If a driver feels too tired to work, they’re a danger to themselves and other road users.”
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