One of the most rewarding parts of my role as CEO of the NHVR is having the opportunity to drive initiatives that promote improved safety, productivity and efficiency outcomes for our industry and communities.
There’s a lot going on and we have some important opportunities we are pursuing, including collaborating to pursue a new modern and flexible regulatory structure through the review of the Heavy Vehicle National Law, a roadworthiness survey underway to gain greater insight into the mechanical health of the national fleet, and evolving technology improvements to make our vehicles and drivers safer.
Another important initiative is the recently announced We Need Space to Keep You Safe campaign with Coles and its supply chain partners, Toll and Linfox.
While the campaign messaging is community focussed, I’m particularly proud that the emphasis is on supporting heavy vehicle drivers and keeping them safe while they perform a vital role, delivering essential freight across the country.
The campaign centres on three key behaviours:
• Don’t overtake a turning truck
• Keep out of truck blind spots
• Overtake trucks safely
Safety is second nature in our industry, but we need to make sure all road users understand the importance of giving trucks the space they need to manoeuvre safely.
You may have seen some of Coles’ Toll and Linfox trucks with We Need Space livery on their trailers – it’s a great way to make a giant statement. With Coles transport operators travelling around 100 million kilometres a year, plenty of people will see these simple messages with a powerful meaning.
Additionally, the NHVR has produced a series of community service announcements and it’s planned that educational resources will be rolled out through driver education programs and state and territory transport partners.
I’m grateful that V8 Supercars legend, Garth Tander is continuing as an ambassador for, and one of the voices of, the campaign.
This is a campaign we can all be proud to participate in, sharing the message among our communities and ensuring that, together, we give each other space to keep each other safe.
Please take the time to visit the We Need Space website weneedspace.com.au and thank you in advance for your support as we strive to encourage better driving habits and behaviours.