To help combat Australia’s concerning road toll, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging all drivers to stay safe behind the wheel.
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With more than 40,000 injuries and 1,200 deaths each year on Australia’s roads, this year’s National Road Safety Week, running until May 18, is focused on reducing road fatalities and injuries.
Last year in 2024, there were 197 fatalities resulting from crashes involving heavy vehicles.
NHVR interim CEO Janelle van de Velde says sharing information about how to drive safely around heavy vehicles is crucial in keeping roads safe.
“From January through to March this year, tragically 300 deaths have already been recorded on Australian roads; 30 of which have involved heavy vehicles,” she says.
“One death on our roads is one too many and each person that uses our roads as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or motorist deserves to return home to their loved ones each day.
“The NHVR runs numerous safety campaigns to provide education to drivers on how to safely drive around trucks; whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting with your learner or provisional license.”
This National Road Safety Week, the NHVR is reminding light vehicle drivers to:
- Maintain a safe following distance when driving behind a truck and remember that some trucks carry large loads (you may need as much as five kilometres to overtake them),
- Don’t linger by the truck as you may be in their blind spot, and
- Don’t cut in front of the truck and always allow plenty of time when overtaking (cutting off a truck can cause them to brake hard or swerve off the road).
NHVR COO Paul Salvati says this week is also a reminder for heavy vehicle drivers and operators to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and fit for the elements.
“Drivers should always drive to road conditions and be adaptable, as driving conditions will change depending on weather events,” he says.
“One of the main issues we’re seeing in all states and territories is the maintenance of heavy vehicle brakes, which is a major safety concern.
“In our recent National Roadworthiness Survey, of more than 14,000 units inspected, 33 per cent presented with a non-conformity, the most common being brakes.”
Salvati says operators have a responsibility to check their vehicles are in top condition for not only the safety of themselves, but all road users.
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