ATA comes out swinging at caravanners

Truck drivers are issuing a stark warning to caravanners, stressing the potential hazards associated with parking in designated truck rest stops, leading to the possible disruption of crucial fatigue breaks.

As we reported recently, a survey conducted by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) reveals that 60 per cent of caravanners have utilised truck-specific rest areas, with 22 per cent making it a recurring practice.

The ATA now weighed into the discussion, emphasising the perilous consequences for truck drivers who miss scheduled rest breaks, as it significantly contributes to fatigue-related risks.

“Fatigue is one of the most serious factors affecting safety and vehicle crashes on our roads,” ATA CEO Mathew Munro said.

“Truck drivers meticulously plan routes to ensure they can adhere to rest schedules, facing heavy penalties for non-compliance. Nationwide, there is a chronic shortage of dedicated truck rest areas and this problem is made worse when caravans fill these spaces," Mr Munro said.

“Caravanners and truck drivers have a shared interest in reducing crash risk. It is in caravanner’s own best interests to avoid practices that increase fatigue risk for truck drivers.“We need greater awareness among caravanners about the seriousness of this issue,” Mathew said.

The ATA is campaigning for clarity among other road user groups that truck rest stops are for trucks as a matter of safety.