Friday facts: 6th Nov 2020

News

6 Nov

Written By The ATA

SARTA secures heavy vehicle simulator

ATA member the South Australian Road Transport Association has partnered with the South Australian and Australian Governments to purchase a new state-of-the-art training simulator designed to improve road safety.

The $450,000 simulator will help existing and learner heavy vehicle drivers navigate the South Eastern Freeway descent, with a focus on improving safety behind the wheel.

Truck drivers will undergo training and assessments in the simulator and there is scope for expanding the program to cover other high-risk routes in South Australia and across the country.

SARTA President Sharon Middleton said the simulator will be the first in the country used by the industry for training on specific high-risk routes.

“The simulator will enable us to conduct training of heavy vehicle drivers in Defensive Driving, avoiding rollovers on sharp bends, and in improving skills in areas such as reversing trucks with multiple trailers,” Ms Middleton said.

National truck laws should make better use of technology, data

The ATA has this week released the ATA submission on chapter 6 (technology and data) of the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL) consultation Regulation Impact Statement (RIS), calling for voluntary options for moving away from paper record keeping.

Released by the National Transport Commission in June 2020 the RIS proposed three options:

· establish an overarching technology and data certifier

· ability to carry and produce electronic documentation, and

· documentation to be produced in a specified period

The ATA supported the reforms, noting that the option to establish a technology and data certifier will require further consultation and that the options for electronic documentation should remain voluntary.

The ATA submission also outlined additional reform options, including that there be online and employer access to driving infringements, and electronic notification and processing of defect notices.

VIEW THE SUBMISSION

In Other News….

The Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report has been released, and has taken up evidence provided by the ATA, South Australian Road Transport Association and the Western Roads Federation in its road closure informations recommendations. View the repo

The Joint Select Committee on Road Safety has released its report on Improving Road Safety in Australia. Among the recommendations, calls for increased government funding for road safety, improved crash data, increased funding for the black spot program, and mandatory safety technologies in vehicles. Read the repo

Round 2 of the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads program is now open, with an additional $191 million available for local road projects. NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Paul Toole said the program will be key to helping regional communities recover from the impact of bushfires, drought and the COVID-19 pandemic

The Queensland Government has launched a new campaign to support Australia's truck drivers, by increasing education on the use of rest areas, emphasising that heavy vehicle rest areas are not for the use of recreational vehicles.

Heavy Vehicle Industry Australia's online Learning Management System is now live with a comprehensive training package for new entrants to the industry, staff in back-of-house or non-technical roles, and industry stakeholder organisations. Find out more

With the assistance of Divall's Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage, Pickles is auctioning a range of donated items from various local and national businesses including a lead truck banner, with all proceeds going to the Convoy For Kids Charity. Find out more