The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has announced it is launching a public awareness campaign targeting fatigue-related heavy vehicle crashes over the holiday season.
The campaign, conducted with police bodies across the country, is called ‘Operation Forager’, commences today, and will run for four weeks across NSW, QLD, SA, ACT, and TAS. The joint operation is being run to raise awareness about the importance of managing fatigue when driving and providing information across the heavy vehicle industry to help people stay safe on the roads during the holiday season.
According to a press release from the NHVR, fatigue-related heavy vehicle crashes are one of the top three killers on the roads in Australia, with CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM stating that, in the past year, there have been 167 “fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles” which has resulted in 190 lost lives – hence the need to ensure drivers are well rested before setting out on their trips.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Petroccitto also urged drivers to be wary of the five signs of fatigue: inattention, irregular body movements, erratic vehicle movements, dull sensory alertness, or poor concentration.
“Drivers may be impaired even when complying with work and rest limits,” he said, “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.”
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