The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution when travelling down steep descents.
The warning follows a series of serious incidents occurring on Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley in New South Wales.
Bulli Pass was the scene of two fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle last year, tragically resulting in two lives lost and multiple serious injuries.
“Over the past few years, we have seen many trucks lose control down these steep descents, leading to serious damage to both vehicles and infrastructure, delays and serious road trauma,” said NHVR Director of Central Region, Brett Patterson.
“Just last month, there was a tragic fatal incident on Bulli Pass where a truck travelling down the descent went through the guardrail and down an embankment at the hairpin bend,” Patterson said.
“The NHVR is also aware of several dangerous close calls, where heavy vehicles have had to use safety ramps or arrester beds to avoid an incident.”
Patterson said steep descents can present a significant safety risk to heavy vehicles, with the spate of recent collisions raising concern about the safety of drivers travelling down these roads.
The NHVR is reminding drivers to follow the steep descent warning signs and shift to a low gear before beginning a descent, to ensure they maintain a safe, controlled speed and prevent excessive wear on brakes.
In NSW, if the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the vehicle in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed without the use of a primary brake.
“Drivers shouldn’t over-rely on brakes, as they can overheat – by selecting a low enough gear that they can descend without use of the service brake, the service brake can be used in an emergency without having the brake overheat,” Patterson explained.
“Drivers and operators should also frequently be inspecting and maintaining their brakes, faulty brakes can drastically reduce the ability to stop safely, particularly in emergencies.”
Patterson said operators should also be taking the skill and experience of the driver into consideration, making certain they are sufficiently informed about the risks and have the appropriate training to safely undertake the descent.
To address similar concerns on Cunninghams Gap in Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads recently produced a series of safety videos in partnership with the Queensland Trucking Association and supported by Wickham Freight Lines who provided the truck and trailer.
The NHVR also has regulatory advice on managing the risks associated with heavy vehicles travelling down steep descents available here.