Australia's road transport industry is one of the most modern, safety-conscious and tightly regulated in the world, according to Isuzu
Australia’s road transport industry is one of the most modern, safety-conscious and tightly regulated in the world, according to Isuzu Australia Limited (IAL) Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Yuki Murata.
Mr Murata said that the recent introduction of ADR80/02 (Australian Design Rule) emissions regulations had not only yielded environmental benefits, but was revitalising the road transport industry by delivering a new standard of vehicles with a high emphasis on safety and efficiency.
“Many manufacturers have released completely new model ranges to coincide with the introduction of the latest round of emissions legislation, providing benefits for all road users,” he said.
“As well as bringing cleaner and more fuel efficient trucks to market, the latest truck releases are also delivering significant improvements in safety – the latest breed of trucks now includes safety features comparable to passenger cars.
“Active safety features such as disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, traction control and other driving aids are now far more common, often as standard fitment, improving safety on our roads, while driver safety has been enhanced through greater availability of driver and passenger SRS Airbags.”
New product aside, Murata says tight regulation of Australia’s transport industry was also leading to improved safety and efficiency.
“Strict industry regulatory controls relating to fatigue management, load restraint and heavy vehicle modifications have also aided a safer driving experience for all road users,” he said.
“Australia’s ‘Chain of Responsibility’ legislation extends liability for a breach of transport law to many parties, not just the driver.
“All parties involved in the consignment, packing, loading and driving of the goods as well as the business operator, can be liable under chain of responsibility legislation; while at the other end of the supply chain, the receiver of the goods also has a certain duty of care.
“This broader liability is an effective measure to ensure the safer transportation of freight around the nation.”
According to Murata, proposed new national heavy vehicle driver fatigue laws to be introduced in September this year will further increase road safety.
“The laws have been the subject of vigorous industry debate for several months, and while it is difficult to totally satisfy all parties, the end result will serve to lift the image of our industry and reduce road trauma,” he says.
The new laws apply to trucks and buses with a GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of over 12 tonnes, and will see operators choosing from several tightly-controlled options for the way they manage their drivers’ work and rest times.
Murata says despite the best efforts of some tabloid media outlets that are quick to discredit the industry with sensationalist headlines, on balance and when compared with other nations, overall the Australian industry was a top performer in safety and professionalism.
“Unfortunately it’s the small minority rogue element within the industry that always receives the attention, however credence should be given to all the positives that are occurring in the road transport industry, that are generally going unnoticed by the wider community.”