The road safety report calls on governments to implement new laws to protect freight operators and transport workers
The Joint Select Committee on Road Safety has tabled its final report for its Inquiry into Road Safety.
The report examines factors contributing to fatal and serious injuries on Australian roads and considers opportunities to improve road safety outcomes for freight operators and transport companies.
Some of the measures it uses to improve road safety outcomes include:
- Supporting the design, construction and maintenance of high-quality road infrastructure that minimises the likelihood and severity of road crashes
- Encouraging the uptake of modern heavy vehicles fitted with safety features
- Effectively managing speeds to safe levels
- Ensuring road users and freight operators are equipped with knowledge and skills to respond appropriately to transport safety risks
- Promoting safety for gig economy participants who use the road as a workplace
- Enhancing road safety in the heavy vehicle sector
The tabled report identifies the need for effective leadership in relation to national road safety, noting that past efforts to improve road safety have been stymied by poor governance and failure to report progress.
The importance of high-quality research and accurate data to help understand the road safety environment for heavy vehicle users and freight operators is critical to improve road safety outcomes.
The report includes 61 recommendations relating to these matters and stresses the importance of making the road safe for transport companies using the road.
“Road trauma touches the lives of all Australians and the causes of road trauma are complex and demand innovative solutions supported by strong leadership, reliable, accurate data and high-quality research,” committee chair Darren Chester says.
“The committee’s report outlines a series of measures that may be taken to improve road safety in the short term, while also highlighting some of the steps that should be taken if we are to achieve sustainable reductions in road trauma into the future.”
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Chester and the report says that although the committee has outlined ways to improve road safety, it’s ultimately up to governments to take responsibility for the roads and implement these recommendations urgently.
Coinciding with the Federal budget, the report calls upon the Federal government to invest in safety for all Australian road users, including freight operators and heavy vehicle drivers.