Easter acknowledged as period of increased risk on the road
Industry bodies, the union and enforcement have issued various safety calls as Easter holidays change the landscape of road use in Australia, with industry informed to exercise caution and anticipate increased compliance and restrictions over the traditional peak period.
RISK HIGHLIGHTED
It may be a time of break for some and increased work for others, with the National Transport Insurance (NTI) shedding light on the risk of road use at this time of year, and issuing its own advice to drivers.
NTI CEO Tony Clark notes “those servicing the wholesale and retail goods industry experience the most misfortune on the roads at this time of year”.
He cautions road users to be mindful of the increased demands across over the Easter period.
“Our aim this year is to encourage all road users – heavy and light vehicles to buck the trend by acknowledging we all play a part in increased retail demands and so it really does pay to exercise patience and consideration on the roads over Easter,” he says.
“Put simply: no trucks, no food, no shopping over Easter.”
The most recent Major Crash Investigation Report suggests many of the incidents occurring at this time of year are avoidable, with one of the most common incidents being hit in rear.
“We remind all road users to travel at safe breaking distances, especially in consideration of weather conditions,” Clark says.
“We see a trend of merging and hit in rear being an issue at this time of year, so let’s work together to do something about it and make the roads a safer place for everyone.”
NTI advises the following points for consideration over Easter:
1. Give plenty of notice before merging in front of trucks
2. Account for extra time on the roads. Increased traffic means your journey is likely to take longer
3. Consider the braking distance for your vehicle, relative to speed, size of vehicle and road conditions
4. Remember to be patient indicate and consider vehicles around you when making sudden movements in traffic
UNION MESSAGE
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) called for driver safety to be prioritised in trucking over the busy Easter period, which already follows 28 fatalities involving truck crashes in March.
“The skewed belief that speedy delivery is more important than road safety is exacerbated at busy periods like the Easter break,” TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine says.
“We urge the wealthy companies at the top of supply chains to ease the pressure on truck drivers and ensure there is enough money in the pot for trucks to be properly maintained and goods to be delivered safely.”
“The Government must [also] step up and act immediately to stop the slaughter on our roads.”
ENFORCEMENT
Enforcement is also ramping up ahead of Easter, with safety operations and double demerit penalties accompanying calls for patience to operators.
Operation Tortoise and Go Slow are NSW’s long-weekend road safety operation, while Victoria police will be out in force for Operation Nexus.
“Fatigue-related crashes are one of the biggest killers on NSW roads and it’s important drivers get a good night’s sleep and plan ahead before they get on the road,” NSW Police says.
“We want everyone to make it to their destination safely over the break and help us drive the road toll Toward Zero.”
RESTRICTIONS
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) advises that New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia have travel restrictions in place over the Easter holiday period for agricultural, oversize/overmass and special purpose heavy vehicles.
Operators can access more information here.