NTI and NHVR call for responsible use of rest areas

As we draw nearer to Christmas, major road transport insurer NTI and the NHVR have come together to call on motorists to be responsible and considerate in their use of road-side rest areas, to ensure all road users can adequately and effectively manage fatigue.

The latest accident data from NTI reveals that 83 per cent of fatigue-related accidents involving trucks in the lead-up to Christmas 2019 occurred between 10:00pm and 6:00am, despite only one-sixth of the country's freight being moved during those hours.

According to NTI's General Manager, Janelle Greene, over-crowding of road-side rest areas was a major issue for truck drivers in particular as they sought to manage their fatigue.

"Fatigue-related crashes are twice as likely to be fatal and it is critical everyone has a safe place to 'stop, revive, survive'," she said.

To help address the issue, a number of 'mega roadside rest areas' have begun opening across the country, with defined areas for cars, caravans and trucks as well as toilets and undercover seating.

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"We have identified 12 mega sites around Australia with some big enough to fit more than 20 semi-trailers and they're designed so that the truck's cabin faces away from headlights on the highway so drivers can get some quality sleep," said Ms Greene.

Ms Greene said holidaymakers and motorists using old-style rest stops could help by parking to one side.

Truck driver Peter Caldow said overcrowding at rest areas presented a real challenge for truckies.

"If there is a caravan or cars that aren't parked in the correct area it makes it a bit harder for us," he said.

A recent fatigue-related campaign held by the NHVR, Operation Wake Up, saw over 4000 trucks stopped at 80 locations over December 2-9. NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto said the overwhelming majority (93.9 per cent) of heavy vehicle drivers were doing the right thing when it came to fatigue management.

"Managing your fatigue is one of the most important things you can do as a heavy vehicle operator to keep yourself and other road users safe," he said.

"It is a responsibility drivers take very seriously because like other road users they want to get home to their family safely too."

Mega Rest Stops can be found in the following locations:
• Darwin – Manton Dam
• Perth – Bindoon
• Brisbane – Nudgee, Gatton, Colinton
• Sydney – Partridge VC, Pheasants Nest, Cowan
• Melbourne – Wandong Southbound, Wandong Northbound, Jock Comini Memorial Rest Area, Ravenswood