In response to rising rates of crash fatalities and fatigue non-compliance and in an effort to ensure safer roads this Christmas, the NHVR will launch Operation Omega alongside police in December.
Operation Omega will be undertaken by the regulator in partnership with the relevant police forces in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania, and will see hundreds of officers posted across the jurisdiction to conduct inspections and compliance checks.
From January to October this year the NHVR recorded over 1750 fatigue-related offences across NSW alone, including heavy vehicle drivers exceeding their permitted work hours, or failing to record work and rest hours.
There have also been 120 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles across Australia and 135 lives lost.
“We are partnering with police across the country, increasing our patrols at identified high crash risk areas during high fatigue risk hours,” NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto says.
“Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads – which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas.
“Officers will conduct roadside checks, inspect logbooks and monitor driving behaviour to identify and prevent fatigue-related incidents occurring.
“While we understand the pressure and deadlines drivers may face during the busy festive period, cutting corners on rest is simply not an option.”
The announcement of Operation Omega came alongside NSW Minister for Roads John Graham, who urged all road users – not just heavy vehicle operators – to exercise care on the roads this festive season.
“I’d like to remind everybody, from new to experienced drivers, to be cautious on the roads these holidays.
“This includes focusing on rest and taking breaks when needed, avoiding distraction and adhering to the speed limit.
“Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.
“The best gift we can all give this Christmas is contributing to safer roads – we want all road users to be able to enjoy the celebrations with their loved ones.”
The NHVR is also encouraging general motorists to refresh their knowledge and remain informed on simple advice to follow when driving around trucks, including avoiding a truck’s blind spot and not overtaking a turning truck to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.
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