Truck drivers now have access to a new resource to help navigate one of South Australia’s most notorious steep descent roads – the South Eastern Freeway descent in the Adelaide Hills.
The instructional video, developed via the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) partnership, uses driver experiences and the first-hand perspective of a seasoned truck driver to pass on know-how about road conditions, weather and potential hazards.
Ricky Vatsinaris from Collins Transport has narrated the safety video, demonstrating the driver’s perspective in a Kenworth K220 pulling a B-double trailer.
“So much of our job in safely transporting goods around Australia depends on years of experience learning the ins and outs of each section of a highway and especially about steep hills,” he says.
“I’ve driven this road more times than I can count. I understand the importance of planning ahead, keeping an eye on the conditions, and using the safety ramps if needed.
“I’m glad to share my experience to help other drivers who are new to the road and to help every descent be a safer one.”
The video shares tips about the changing gradient of the road, the last point for safely stopping prior to the descent and how to navigate a complex exit at traffic lights for a busy Adelaide intersection at Portrush Road.
South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) President Sharon Middleton says the video is an important tool for an industry that prioritises safety.
“The heavy vehicle and road transport sector wants to ensure everyone completes their trips safely, from our truck drivers to all other road users,” she says.
“We welcome every additional tool that helps drivers share their skills and experience with each other.”
The video is the third of its kind, with the Koetong to Bullioh descent on the Murray Valley Highway east of Wodonga and Powers Hill on the Hyland Highway in Gippsland also being released.
NTI’s transport research manager Adam Gibson says the growing library of safety videos will continue to help truck drivers, including those new to the industry and those who want a refresher on the unique conditions across different parts of Australia.
“Our videos are short, sharp and authentic. We use real life truck drivers to demonstrate how to safely complete a steep descent from their own perspective and in this case in Ricky’s own words,” he says.
“The videos use aerial and road-side vision to help illustrate driving conditions such as merging lanes, safety signage and weather hazards including fog.”
In addition to the three location specific videos, a general safety video is also available and planning for more steep descents videos is underway.