The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle operators and drivers to prioritise safety and heed warning signs when navigating long, steep descents on South Australia’s South Eastern (SE) Freeway.
This follows the release of a new safety video, developed in consultation with NTI, SARTA, and input from the National Truck Accident Research Centre, which aims to familiarise heavy vehicle drivers with the road and outlines critical steps.
“A well-functioning braking system is crucial, particularly on long, steep descents like the SE Freeway, which continues downhill through a major intersection and into an urban area,” NHVR Director of Southern Region, Paul Simionato, said.
“Operators should ensure their vehicles’ braking systems are meticulously maintained and adjust vehicle loads appropriately for this challenging route.
“Use of your engine brake and a low enough gear appropriate for the load you are carrying, and obeying the maximum 60km/h speed limit (unless otherwise signed at a lower speed) is essential to descend safely – noting most loaded trucks will need to travel much slower than 60 kmh to maintain a safe control.
“We’ve seen far too many incidents resulting from poor driver behaviour, faulty or ineffective braking systems, or a failure to comply with safety requirements.
“This not only puts drivers at risk but also endangers other road users and the communities these vehicles travel through.”
The NHVR alert comes amid significant safety upgrades to the SE Freeway, delivered in October 2025 by South Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
These upgrades include enhanced signage and pavement markings designed to better educate and alert drivers to the route’s unique challenges, prioritising safer heavy vehicle operations, including:
- Mandatory use of low gear for heavy vehicles, with heavy penalties enforced for non-compliance.
- Simplified wording and symbol-driven designs for improved understanding.
- Greater visibility of safety ramp locations and a reminder that their use is free, including vehicle removal.
“The NHVR remains committed to working closely with the heavy vehicle industry and its jurisdictional partners to improve safety on Australian roads,” Paul Simionato said .
“By continuing proactive efforts, the heavy vehicle industry can play a pivotal role in preventing avoidable incidents and making our roads safer for all users.”
South Australian Road Transport Association’s, Steve Shearer, said: “Almost all of the 700,000 trucks that come down the SE Freeway each year into Adelaide do so safely and legally, and that’s a great credit to the drivers and operators.
“It just takes one driver or operator to get it wrong on any given day and we’ll have another multiple fatality.”
“It’s nearly always a mistake by a driver choosing too high a gear for the load, not slowing down before commencing the descent, not engaging the engine brake or a mechanical failure. All of those causes are avoidable.”
He urged first-time drivers to familiarise themselves with the SE Freeway descent before using it by watching the NTARC video.
Watch the safety video, which features an experienced driver highlighting safe practices for navigating the SE Freeway steep descent.
Read more about the safety initiative.
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