Latest statistics disturb Victorian industry organisation
The Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has responded with concern at its state’s disappoint recent showing in fatal truck crash results.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson notes the general downward trend is promising but says any increase must be tackled at several levels.
“’Reduce your motor vehicle accidents, reduce your operating costs’ is the logic of every truck operator. But there is nothing more disturbing than to see the historical results increase instead of decrease, which is the case from the latest data released by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on fatal heavy vehicle crashes in Australia for the past 12-months,” Anderson states.
“In the 12-months to September 2014, 200 people lost their lives in heavy vehicle crashes involving articulated and rigid vehicles – an increase of 13 per cent for articulated vehicles and an increase of 1.3 per cent for rigid vehicles.
“Although the data shows a decreasing index value, the real issue is the human and emotional loss that families must endure from fatal road accidents.
“Improved vehicle standards, training, regulatory control and infrastructure development are all part of the solution to reducing fatal vehicle crashes.
“The end of the year quarter, October, November and December 2014 has already seen 13 deaths in Victoria involving heavy vehicles.
“We must work to continue to reduce our road toll with focused commitment in every transport operation. At the end of the day, one life lost is one too many.”