Major policy and research bodies combine for probe
A newly established partnership between the Cooperative Research Centre for Alertness, Safety and Productivity (Alertness CRC) and the National Transport Commission (NTC) aims to evaluate the impacts of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) on heavy vehicle driver fatigue.
The research will be undertaken to address the limited data on the impact of work scheduling practices on heavy vehicle driver fatigue, as well as learning more about the effect of quality and quantity of drivers’ sleep during minimum rest periods.
The Federal Government has committed $828,000 to the research, with the aim of using the findings to support future HVNL reforms.
The 18-month study will measure driver drowsiness and sleeping patterns, both on the road during real-world work shifts and in laboratory settings using the latest alertness measurement technology.
National Transport Commission (NTC) chief executive Paul Retter is optimistic the partnership will provide valuable insights into fatigue management.
“Our role is to help improve the productivity, safety and environmental performance of Australia’s road, rail and intermodal transport systems,” Retter said.
“Through our partnership with the Alertness CRC, we will be able to understand in more detail how Australia’s current laws affect driver fatigue.”
Alertness CRC’s CEO, Anthony Williams, sees the key outcomes around delivering safety outcomes for drivers.
“The CRC’s key mission is to conduct research and develop new products and services that will improve alertness, safety and productivity for individuals and within organisations,” Williams says.
“Through our partnership with the NTC, and with the support of our other industry and academic partners, this project will facilitate the best research to support HVNL fatigue laws and deliver the safest outcomes for heavy vehicle drivers and operators.”