Truck rest stop reminder for careless caravanners

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) has reminded caravanners of the importance of sharing the road with heavy vehicles over the summer holiday period. 

A recent survey by the NHVR of 1000 Australian drivers showed that 60 per cent of caravanners have parked in a truck-specific rest area, and 22 per cent are doing so often. 

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said it's important for caravanners to understand that trucks need specific rest areas to manage their fatigue work and rest requirements. 

“While 66 per cent of Australians surveyed are currently aware that they shouldn’t use these truck rest spaces, they don’t understand the implications or the why – and the consequences can be devastating,” he said. 

“Fatigue is one of the leading factors that affect safety and heavy vehicle crashes, and when fatigue management requirements aren’t adhered to, there can be serious consequences for all road users.” 

The survey also highlighted caravanners uncertainty about communicating with truck drivers on the road, with only half of caravanners aware that they can and should use their UHF radio to do so.

“Using a UHF radio, if available, is vital for communicating with heavy vehicle drivers, to let them know you are going to overtake them, or so they can let you know when they’re going to overtake you,” he said.

Australian Trucking Association president CEO Mathew Munro said rest stops are crucial and should be reserved for trucks.

“Caravanners and truck drivers have a shared interest in reducing crash risk," he said. "It is in caravanner’s own best interests to avoid practices that increase fatigue risk for truck drivers. We need greater awareness among caravanners about the seriousness of this issue."

Check out the NVRH-backed campaign website 'We All Need Space' for more tips on how to drive safely around oversized loads, overtaking trucks, how to keep out of trucks’ blind spots, and rules around overtaking a turning truck.