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The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is aiming to improve heavy vehicle safety on Australia’s longest stretch of road, by launching a critical operation running from Port Augusta in South Australia to the Western Australia border.
NHVR Director Southern Region Paul Simionato said Operation Compass would help in the crucial effort to reduce road trauma on the Eyre Highway, with far too many serious and fatal crashes occurring on the busy freight route over recent years.
“From January to March this year, we’ve sadly seen 11 lives lost in crashes involving a heavy vehicle across South Australia and Western Australia,” Mr Simionato said.
“The Eyre Highway in particular has been the scene of some tragic crashes in the past few years, with a fatal incident between a truck and a car occurring only last month.
“Through Operation Compass, we’re aiming to identify unsafe practices and ensure heavy vehicle drivers and operators are held accountable in their role of keeping our roads safe.”
The NHVR has conducted numerous patrols and local operations along the Eyre Highway over the past four years, to increase compliance and ultimately the safety of those travelling on the major freight corridor.
“Throughout Operation Compass, our NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers (SCOs) will work closely with Main Roads WA to address two of the most critical risk factors within the heavy vehicle industry – driver fatigue and mechanical non-compliance,” Mr Simionato said.
“Our SCOs will be working along the Eyre Highway from Port Augusta to Ceduna, and on to Border Village, aiming to ensure all drivers make it to their destination safely.
“Officers will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with vehicle standards, check that drivers are managing their fatigue by reviewing work diaries, and take an appropriate compliance action on these key risks to improve long-term safety outcomes on our roads.
“By launching Operation Compass, we’re sending a clear message that safety has no borders, and every heavy vehicle driver and operator has a responsibility to ensure their movements are safe and efficient.
“The NHVR is determined to prevent any avoidable tragedy from ever occurring on our roads.”
Further information can be found on the NHVR website.