Following the release of a joint roadworthiness report from National Transport Insurance (NTI) and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) said that keeping well maintained vehicles was key to trucking safety and productivity.
“The report highlights a strong link between vehicle maintenance and keeping our drivers and community safe on the road,” said Melissa Weller, ATA Safety, Health and Wellbeing Director.
“By examining key heavy vehicle maintenance areas such as brakes, wheels and couplings, the report shows us that operators with poorly maintained vehicles are more likely to be involved in road incidents and a greater number of insurance claims.
“That’s why it is so critical for trucking operators to have proper risk management systems in place, ensuring not only the safety of their own drivers and staff, but everyone who shares our roads.”
Weller added that the ATA has long understood the importance of keeping vehicles well maintained, pointing to its TruckSafe accreditation scheme.
“Comprehensive accreditation standards like TruckSafe deliver significant benefits for trucking operators and the community, ensuring compliance with best-practice procedures in all business aspects,” Weller said.
“Developed to ensure operators meet their chain of responsibility obligations in line with the Heavy Vehicle National Law, TruckSafe takes a holistic approach with heavy vehicle safety, with standards covering everything from vehicle maintenance right through to driver health and wellbeing.”
The report findings suggest operators with effective maintenance regimes may also have better general systems in place to manage risk within their business such as fatigue and driver behaviour.
“This report provides a shining example how looking after your vehicles ultimately means operators are looking after your staff, your community and your bottom line,” Weller said.
“The ATA congratulates NTI and the NHVR for completing this significant research project and demonstrating the importance of vehicle maintenance.”
To view the report, click here.