The NHVR has issued a Christmas missive warning heavy vehicle drivers not to be a Grinch this Christmas sharing a range of preventable tips to help drivers prioritise safety this festive season.
The national regulator says it is doubling down on safety these holidays with the launch of a program it calls ‘What turns you into a Grinch?’.
The NHVR says the focus on of the program is on essential road safety tips for heavy vehicle operators.
Acting executive director for on-road operations at the NHVR, Steve Miller said the creative campaign focuses on ‘Grinch moments’ where frustrations can build for heavy vehicle drivers during peak holiday traffic.
“We wanted these safety videos to feel light-hearted and fun, but at the same time address some concerns that heavy vehicle drivers have during busy periods,” said Miller.
“For example, during the holiday period we do see a spike in caravans parking in designated truck stops, which are critical for truck drivers to manage their fatigue and rest requirements,” he said.
“Knowing the locations of alterative rest stops can help in these situations, as is knowing how to report misuse of these spaces to protect them in future.”
Miller said it’s important for heavy vehicle operators to ensure they are rested before they get behind the wheel every time with more trucks sharing the roads with light vehicles during the festive season.
“Tragically during the last three months of 2024, we saw 54 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles on our roads compared to 39 crashes from March to May, an increase of almost 30%,” he said.
“What statistics like this tell us is the risk of a tragic crash during the holiday season is higher, with the busy Christmas season putting more heavy vehicles and light vehicles on some of our country’s busiest roads.
“Heavy vehicle drivers must know where rest stops are prior to their journey, and never risk driving while tired – no load is worth a life.”
Miller said it’s just as important for light vehicle drivers to understand how to safely share the road with trucks.
“Heavy vehicles take longer to turn, merge and overtake, so it’s important to remain patient and give them the space they need,” he said.
“They also have multiple blind spots, so maintaining a safe distance and not cutting in front of them is crucial.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and light vehicle drivers must understand how driving behaviours can impact a trucks ability to manoeuvre safely.”
The NHVR said that tips for light vehicle drivers on how to safely drive around trucks can be found on the NHVR website here.
