The NHVR has issued a warning to truckies after a three-axle tipper was intercepted and a child was found sitting on a rack behind the seats, without a seatbelt.
The truck had been stopped for inspection on Stone Hut-Caltowie Rd in Caltowie, South Australia.
When NHVR Safety and Compliance Officers went to take a look at the cabin, the driver attempted to obstruct them.
“It was obvious why – with one child seated on a rack behind the seats unrestrained,” a NHVR spokesperson said.
“In this dangerous position, any impact could have caused the child to be expelled via the windscreen.”
The driver intended to continue their journey without restraining the child, so police were called to the scene “to address the driver’s behaviour in failing to maintain the child’s safety”.
SAPOL confirmed to Big Rigs that one of their patrols was waved down by the NHVR, and the driver, a 36-year-old male from Pekina, SA was issued an expiation for failing to ensure a passenger under 16 years was wearing a seatbelt.
The total fine issued was $537, along with three demerit points.
“If there’s nothing to hide, there’s nothing to see,” the NHVR added.
“We remind you to consider the safety of all persons travelling with you before starting your journey.”