The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is pleading with heavy vehicle operators not to risk driving while fatigued in the wake of a large number of recent offences.
During National Work Safe Month, the regulator is reminding drivers to prioritise work and rest requirements following a recorded 5,257 fatigue related offences nationally in the past financial year.
NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati says driving while feeling sleepy, physically or mentally tired is a major safety concern.
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“Fatigue is more than feeling tired or drowsy, it’s mental and physical exhaustion that reduces your ability to work safely and effectively,” he says.
“Performing any task while fatigued will jeopardise your own safety and drivers endanger more than their own life when getting behind the wheel.”
In the 2023-2024 financial year, more than 4,900 fatigue offences were recorded nationally, which exceeds over 10,000 offences in the past two financial years.
“Almost a third of offences recorded last financial year were fatigue related which is an unacceptable number,” Salvati says.
“If you’re ever unsure of what your work and rest requirements are, always err on the side of caution and rest when needed because no load is worth your life.
“There’s no such thing as a second chance when it comes to a serious accident or fatality.”
The NHVR website provides guidance on how to comply with work and rest requirements, including counting time, recording keeping and training in fatigue risk management.
Salvati says that any driver feeling pressured to drive while fatigued should call the NHVR reporting line.
“No-one should feel unsafe while at work, which is why the Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line is available to report safety issues such as driver fatigue, business practices and mechanical safety,” he says.
The NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line 1800 931 785 is available Monday to Friday from 7am to 4.30pm Australian Eastern Standard Time.
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