Of the 92 lives lost in collisions involving heavy vehicles from January to July this year, 60 of them were in regional, rural and remote areas. Despite a huge population discrepancy when compared to metropolitan areas fatalities on rural and remote roads account for most of Australia’s road death toll.
The rate of serious road-related injury in rural areas is nearly twice as high as major cities, with a total of 811 lives lost in 2023.
Sunday marked the launch of Australian Rural Road Safety Month, and NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto has issued a reminder to drivers of light vehicles to continue to remain aware of heavy vehicles in remote areas.
“Trucks play an important part in keeping Australia moving, so we want to remind light vehicle drivers what they can do to help keep our roads safe – particularly on rural highways where they are likely to encounter large trucks,” Petroccitto says.
“We know in our experience at the NHVR that travelling on rural and regional roads comes with unique challenges and risks – speed limits are greater, roads may be unsealed and there can be more environmental challenges such as animals or visual obstructions.
“It is important to always maintain a safe following distance, only overtake when it is safe to do so, and give heavy vehicles extra space.
“Sadly, collisions involving a heavy vehicle – because of their size and weight – are much more likely to have devastating outcomes for those involved.
“It is why at the NHVR we are so passionate about playing our part to drive down the road toll and ensure all motorists – including our nation’s truckies – are getting home safe.
“Losing a friend, family or loved one in a road accident is always a tragedy, and – particularly in rural and regional communities – can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on local communities.
“It is why we want to use Rural Road Safety Month to implore all road users to ensure they are taking extra caution when getting behind the wheel, including being well-rested and ready to drive.”
More information on Australian Rural Road Safety Month is available here.
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