Whiteline Television series earns Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative support
New trucking safety and wellbeing videos produced by Whiteline Television have emerged under round 4 of the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR’s) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).
The series provides advice on topics such as nutrition, exercise and mental health.
Whiteline Television executive producer Stephen McCarthy says the videos are the result of interviews with long-haul drivers who shared their tips and experiences about managing life on the road.
“We travelled the country to catch up with a range of long haul drivers,” McCarthy says.
“I would particularly like to thank Bruce Dodd, Heather Jones, Brendan McDonald, Peter Harris and Monica and Daniel Constable who were willing to pass on their knowledge and tips in straightforward and down-to-earth language.”
Look back at Whiteline’s earlier work, here
The TV series is part of the Australian Government-backed HVSI program, which has provided $17.3 million funding for 62 grants over the past four years to deliver safety benefits for the heavy vehicle industry and other road users.
“I want to congratulate Whiteline Television for their great work on the new physical and mental health videos to support heavy vehicle drivers,” federal road safety and freight transport assistant minister Scott Buchholz says.
“The health of all truckies is as important now as it’s ever been.
“Truck drivers have been one of the unsung heroes in recent months ensuring the most basic of day-to-day essentials continued to be delivered and communities stay connected through the movement of freight.
“I want to thank all of our transport operators and truck drivers for the amazing work they have been doing, keeping shelves stocked and essential freight moving.
“We don’t thank our drivers enough but during this pandemic, the importance of their work has been on display.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says the series of three short videos add to the important on-going conversations about driver welfare.
“The average age for Australia’s truck drivers is mid-40s and many are away from their homes and families for long periods of time,” Petroccitto says.
“At the same time the challenges have never been greater and truckies’ health and wellbeing is vital, whether it’s somewhere to pull up for a rest or looking after themselves with a bit of exercise.
“And just talking about mental and physical health is an important first step.”
The three videos are available at www.truckingnation.com.au
The HVSI is also funding research on driver mental and physical safety and safety by Perth-based Injury Matters and Canberra-based OzHelp.