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As Halloween creeps closer and communities prepare for a night of trick-or-treating, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers and operators to stay alert and make safety a top priority on local roads.
NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said the real fright this Halloween isn’t a ghost or ghoul roaming the streets - it’s the deadly consequences of fatigue and unsafe driving.
“Tragically, from January to September this year, we have seen 138 fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle, claiming 149 lives,” Mr Salvati said.
“That’s up from 121 fatal crashes and 137 lives lost for the same period last year – this is an unacceptable increase and is deeply concerning.
“With more pedestrians on the streets this Halloween – especially children dressed in dark costumes and walking in low-light conditions – we’re urging every driver to slow down and stay alert, so everyone gets home safely.
“One moment of inattention can change lives forever – drivers should remember to watch for children crossing the road unexpectedly, ensure vehicle lights and reflectors are working properly, and avoid any distractions behind the wheel.”
Mr Salvati said heavy vehicle drivers and operators should be ensuring they are compliant with fatigue management requirements to keep themselves and everyone else on the road safe.
“One of the scariest things about driver fatigue is that it can creep up without warning,” he said.
“Last financial year, the NHVR recorded more than 5,200 fatigue-related offences across Australia, and this is simply not good enough.
“Every one of those offences represents a serious risk - to the driver, their load, and to every road user they share the road with.
“Driving tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence, you’re not only risking your own life, but the lives of families and friends travelling nearby.
“It’s critically important that all heavy vehicle drivers follow their work and rest requirements, manage their fatigue proactively, and speak up if they’re not fit to drive - no deadline or delivery is worth a life.
“The real treat this Halloween is a safe, compliant journey.”
The NHVR is reminding all drivers to:
- Schedule rest breaks before every journey
- Know the signs of fatigue - poor concentration, restlessness, erratic vehicle movements, dull sensory alertness, and inattention
- Record work and rest hours accurately to stay compliant.
Any driver feeling pressured to drive while fatigued should call the NHVR’s Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line on 1800 931 785.
You can read more about fatigue management on the NHVR website: