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A recent National Heavy Vehicle Regulator-led operation targeting fatigue showed 93.9 per cent of truck drivers are complying with fatigue regulations aimed at keeping everyone safe on our roads.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said Operation Wake Up intercepted 4096 drivers over an eight-day period in December at more than 80 locations and mobile patrols across Australia.
“Driving tired is one of the most significant causes of crashes on our roads and professional truck drivers need to carefully manage their rest hours to make sure everyone gets home safe,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“I’m encouraged to see that the compliance rate has increased from the 93 per cent recorded during a similar operation in May and that vast majority of drivers are doing the right thing, however we will continue to target those who are breaking the law.”
Heavy vehicle drivers can be fined between $447 and $674 for a minor or substantial breach of work and rest hours.
The NHVR found that checks on compliant drivers and vehicles took on average 15 minutes, about half the average time taken to process an offence.
“It’s clear that safe drivers are productive drivers,” Mr Petroccitto said.
“Drivers were also asked a series of questions about their work and rest habits, which helps us to understand where we can work on education for operators.
“I’d like to thank all our officers and the police, transport and workplace health and safety agencies across the country who worked with us on the operation.”
The most common fatigue offences were:
- Exceeding driving hours (historical)
- Not making entries in work diary
- Exceed driving hours (current period)
- Insufficient rest (historic)
- Not carrying work diary
For more information on work and rest hours under the National Heavy Vehicle Law visit www.nhvr.gov.au/fatigue