The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched an operation running from the Western Australia border to Port Augusta in South Australia targeting driver fatigue.
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Announced on May 15, NHVR Chief Operations Officer, Paul Salvati, said the week-long operation aims to prevent fatigue-related breaches from occurring in the area.
“The NHVR’s Safety and Compliance Officers will have an increased presence at the WA and SA border, ensuring drivers are maintaining accurate work diaries, which are a critical tool in complying with work and rest requirements,” Salvati said.
“Our operations aren’t just about intercepts and enforcement; they are focused on educating drivers on how they can actively manage their fatigue and make sure their movements are safe and efficient.”
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Throughout the operation, the NHVR is reminding heavy vehicle drivers of the proactive measures they can take to mitigate the impact of fatigue on roads. The list includes ensuring drivers are well-rested before embarking on journeys, pre-planning journeys and scheduling rest stops, recognising signs of fatigue, taking frequent rest and meal breaks, being aware of lifestyle choices affecting fatigue, and accurately filling out work diaries.
“We are encouraging all heavy vehicle drivers to recognise the signs of fatigue – even if you are complying with work and rest requirements, you may still feel too tired to drive,” Salvati said. “Always prioritise your rest beaks – it is just never worth the risk.”
News of the operation comes after 35 lives have already been lost in crashes involving a heavy vehicle across Australia this year – nine of which happened in South and Western Australia, making the operation timely according to Salvati.
“One life lost on our roads, is one too many,” he said. “At the NHVR, we make it our priority to do all we can to prevent these tragic incidents from taking place – we want every road user out there to make it home safely.”