NRMA Calls For Governments For Prepare For More Trucks On The Road

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 24 March 2010

NRMA Motoring & Services is calling for truck safety to be a greater government priority with freight movement and the number of trucks on the road forecast to double by 2020 and triple by 2050.

Australia-wide, crashes involving heavy vehicles are estimated to cost $2 billion a year and more than 300 people are killed annually in crashes involving trucks according to the Transport Industry Safety Group.

NRMA President Wendy Machin said safer trucks, a safer road network, improved truck rest area facilities and more awareness among motorists on how to share the roads safely with heavy vehicles were needed to reduce the number of crashes on NSW roads.

"There are a range of serious issues that need to be addressed before the roads can become a safer place for our Members and accommodate the increased demand for freight movement forecast over the next ten to 20 years," Ms Machin said.

"There is no doubt that trucks play an important role in moving freight around the state quickly and efficiently and it is critical that in 2010, governments have a plan for trucks and cars to co-exist safely.

"Since July 2007, the NRMA has called for the compulsory adoption of the latest safety features for trucks, improved roads, more rest areas complying to Australian Standards and a greater commitment by governments to encourage all motorists to share the road responsibly."

Truck safety features the NRMA has been advocating to become compulsory since 2007 are: Heavy vehicles and trailers must have front, side and rear under-run barriers. All heavy vehicles should have tamper-proof on-board monitoring to provide feedback on vehicle operations. Electronic stability control should be fitted to all new heavy vehicles and trailers to help drivers maintain control and protect motorists from truck collisions.

Ms Machin said the NRMA welcomed the recent commitment by the Australian Government to invest in a $16 million program to improve the inadequate number and quality of truck rest areas, however it was unacceptable that truck safety otherwise seems to have been largely ignored.

"The only truck safety measure recommended by the NRMA to have been addressed by the Government in the last two years of campaigning is the front under-run protection systems (FUPS)," Ms Machin said.

The Australian Government announced a few months ago that from 11 January 2011 front underrun protection must be fitted to the front of all new heavy vehicles over 12 tonnes. Existing trucks must be fitted from January 2012.

Front underrun protection prevents a car from running under the front of a truck in the event of a crash and ensures the car's seat belts, airbags and crumple zones work efficiently.

Ms Machin said side and rear underrun protection are important safety measures and must meet the European standard.

"It is of serious concern that anti-lock brake systems, electronic stability control, tamper-proof onboard monitors and disc brakes are not required by legislation," Ms Machin said.

"The NRMA will continue to be vocal on truck safety and greater motorist awareness as part of its Share The Roads Campaign which calls for all drivers to adhere to road sharing advice, drive more carefully and be aware of the vehicles around them."

View the full Heavy Vehicle Safety Report

Contact: Daniel Stanton 0439 133 092