The NHVR reminds drivers to stay on top of managing fatigue across the busy holiday period.
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has officially commenced Operation Forager ahead of the typically busy holiday season.
Partnering with police across the country, the industry regulator is aiming to combat heavy vehicle crashes caused by fatigue.
It has commenced as of Monday, November 20 and will run for four weeks across NSW, QLD, Victoria, SA, the ACT and Tasmania.
The NHVR says it wants drivers to remain aware of on-road compliance and staying safe behind the wheel during the holidays.
“In the past year there have been 167 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles in Australia and 190 lives lost,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“While the holiday season is a fantastic time for families and holidaymakers, more road users mean it’s critical for heavy vehicle drivers to be extra cautious.
“We know we have fantastic drivers and operators doing the right thing, so we need them to keep up the good work by practicing safe behaviours, like focusing on rest, taking meal breaks and looking after themselves on the road.”
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Petroccitto reminds all drivers to be aware of the signs of fatigue and manage them accordingly.
“For anyone on the road feeling the five signs of fatigue – inattention, irregular body movements, erratic vehicle movements, dull sensory alertness, or poor concentration – that means it’s time to listen to your body and take a break,” he says.
“Drivers may be impaired even when complying with work and rest limits.
“So, even if you’re within your work and rest parameters, if you’re feeling the effects of fatigue this holiday season, it’s important to rest.”
NHVR on-road officers will be patrolling busy locations for intrastate and interstate drivers, working in conjunction with the police force.
COO Paul Salvati says the industry regulator wants to ensure safety amongst the transport industry.
“With the road toll in almost every state and territory still too high, the safety of all drivers on the road is our number one priority,” he says.
“As part of our inform, educate and enforce approach we are working with industry to raise better awareness of the extreme risk that fatigue presents.
“Over the past year, the NHVR has undertaken more than 2100 hours of roadside education focused on fatigue and work diaries, with heavy vehicle drivers.
“Both mental and physical health issues are overrepresented in heavy vehicle drivers, so it’s also important to understand the medical conditions prevalent in the industry.
“The NHVR has proactively developed a range of resources for drivers to assist with their fitness to drive and these can be accessed through the NHVR website.”