But that's not all the troubling calls the national regulator's alerts service
Fatigue-related complaints are the most common calls to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR’s) Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL), according to the data.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the reporting line, which has been live since July last year, has answered around 115 calls each month.
Following the confidential reports, the regulator has responding to more than 65 reports of non-compliance nationwide every month the line has been active.
“The Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line enables drivers and parties in the heavy vehicle supply chain to pass on information about possible breaches of the Heavy Vehicle National Law,” Petroccitto says.
“Between October 2018 and January 2019, 505 calls were received which generated 289 new reports.
“Almost one-third of these were reporting fatigue concerns, and 25 per cent related to business practices.
“Concerns with mechanical safety (21 per cent) and load restraint (14 per cent) were the next most commonly reported.
“I encourage operators and supply chain parties to take advantage of this service and contribute to the safety of our industry without fear of recrimination.”
Here’s what you need to know about the confidential reporting hotline
The line was made possible thanks to $250,000 in Commonwealth funding under the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative.
Since its inception, the HVCRL has been operated independently, but a special unit within the NHVR will take the reins from March 1.
The new operating hours for the reporting line will be 7am-4.30pm (AEST) from Monday to Friday and the regulator reiterates that calls will continue to be treated in the strictest confidence.
“The reporting line is an important tool for us to gather information that can help make our roads safer for all users,” Petroccitto says.
“It’s important that it’s supported beyond the current funding period and that the identity of the reporting individual is protected throughout all stages of the process.”
Anyone with a safety concern can call the HVCRL on 1800 931 785 for free from any landline in Australia (and some mobile providers).