The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) partnered with police across the country to conduct Operation Forager over a four week period during the holiday period.
The operation was intended to heighten awareness about the critical nature of managing fatigue while driving heavy vehicles, with final results released last week.
NHVR chief operations officer Paul Salvati said over the course of the four week operation, NHVR officers conducted more than 5,350 heavy vehicle intercepts across the southern and central regions.
“Work diary and fatigue-related education was provided in 623 of these intercepts, accounting for approximately 156 hours of roadside education with drivers, highlighting the NHVR’s commitment to safety within the heavy vehicle industry,” Mr Salvati said.
“Operation Forager shows the effectiveness of our holistic approach to safety, that combines education with enforcement, ensuring that heavy vehicle operators are not only aware of the regulations but also equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions on the road about their safety.
“I would like to commend the heavy vehicle industry for their safety efforts over the busy holiday period, particularly during the severe weather events we experienced across the country.”
Mr Salvati said Operation Forager placed a strong emphasis on the importance of maintaining accurate work diaries, as a critical tool in complying with work and rest hour requirements and preventing fatigue-related incidents.
“By investing significant time and effort in educating heavy vehicle drivers on work diaries and fatigue, especially new drivers, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the duration of this operation,” Mr Salvati said.
“Education is an investment in safety. By ensuring drivers understand the importance of accurate work diaries, we are arming them with the knowledge to actively manage their work and rests hours.”
However, Mr Salvati said while education is a powerful tool in preventing fatigue-related incidents, the NHVR doesn’t hesitate to enforce the Heavy Vehicle National Law where required.
“Of the total intercepts conducted by NHVR officers, 207 resulted in fatigue-related compliance action.
“Unfortunately, 129 of these offences were detected for driver’s exceeding their allowable work hours, or not taking adequate periods of rest.
“We want to remind heavy vehicle drivers of the critical importance of practising safe behaviours, including taking rest and meal breaks.
“If you are on the road and feel the five signs of fatigue - inattention, irregular body movements, erratic vehicle movements, dull sensory alertness, or poor concentration – please, take a break.”
Read more on fatigue management on the NHVR website.
The NHVR encourages drivers who feel pressured by their employer to drive while fatigued to call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline on 1800 931 785.
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