Trucks required to stay at least 60 metres behind vehicles longer than 7.5 metres from November 1
October 22, 2012
Trucks in New South Wales will be required to stay at least 60 metres behind long vehicles under new rules to be introduced next month.
Anyone driving a vehicle longer than 7.5 metres will need to maintain a 60-metre distance behind a vehicle of the same length, but the requirement for road trains to keep a distance of 200 metres remains.
NSW will also bring its rules governing the use of portable warning triangles into line with other jurisdictions.
“These changes will help increase the safety of heavy vehicle drivers and other road users by introducing minimum distances long vehicles need to have between them while travelling,” Roads Minister Duncan Gay says.
From November 1, drivers of vehicles over 12 tonnes who have stopped or lost a load on a road with a speed limit of 80km/h or more will need to place three triangles if their vehicle is not visible for 300 metres in all directions.
Drivers must place one triangle between 200 and 250 metres behind the vehicle or fallen load, one triangle 200-250 metres in front, and one triangle by the side of the vehicle or load.
Three triangles are still needed if an incident happens on a one-way road or divided road. However, instead of placing a triangle in front of the vehicle, drivers should place it between the vehicle or fallen load and the triangle behind the vehicle.
Gay says the new guidelines for portable warning triangles stem from a coronial inquiry into the death of a truck driver on the Hume Highway in 2006.
“The new rules will also bring NSW in line with the Australian Road Rule changes so there is consistency across the country for all road users,” he says.
“It is imperative heavy vehicle drivers can move around on our network as efficiently as possible. Improving their safety will ensure there are fewer cases of crashes involving this very important industry.”
