Don’t trust your tired self.
That was the message from NSW Police after Moree Highway Patrol stopped this B-double on the Newell Highway near Moree and spoke with the 25-year-old male driver from Queensland.
The truckie was charged with multiple critical driving while fatigued offences.
The driver was operating under the Basic Fatigue Management rules of the National Heavy Vehicle Law, which allows a maximum of 14 hours work time and requires a continuous 7-hour rest break every 24 hours.
In a post on the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command’s Facebook page, police say the checks revealed that in the previous few days there was:
- 17 work hours with the longest rest being 5 hours in a 24-hour period.
- 17 and 3/4 work hours with the longest rest being 2 and 1/2 hours in a 24-hour period.
- 11 and 1/4 work hours in a 12-hour period.
- No rest for over 7 continuous hours.
A number of other similar offences were also detected occurring in South Australia and Victoria, say police.
The driver was charged and will appear before Moree Local Court in May.
“Driver fatigue can hit us at any time, and being awake for 17 hours or more has a similar effect on your driving as a blood alcohol content of 0.05,” police wrote on the post.
“Yawning, sore eyes and poor concentration are signs you’re tired.
“Remember to get a good night’s sleep before your next drive. If you’re feeling tired while driving take a break or swap drivers
“Don’t Trust Your Tired Self.”