FLEETDRIVE
“The first thing governments need to stop doing is waiting. We already know what
the problems are and now is the time to act.”
most comparable countries have an operator
licensing system for road transport. For
example, in the UK, road transport operators
must pass a “fit and proper” person test, prove
they have the funds to maintain vehicles, and
employ transport managers who understand
what compliance looks like.
Point 3: Educate other road users on
how to drive around trucks
Third, the solution to the road toll cannot
and will not come solely from industry. The
community, government, enforcement and road
safety bodies must do their part too. Through
NTI data, we know that in 93% of fatalities
involving a truck, the other party was at fault.
Yet national and state road safety strategies
are silent on how light vehicle drivers can
“share the road” safely with trucks. There is an
opportunity to ensure that drivers are educated
on driving safely around trucks, such as safe
stopping distances and over-taking, as part of
licensing schemes.
Point 4: Reward safe fleet behaviour
Fourth, by pulling the right policy levers,
government can incentivise and reward safe
behaviours from heavy vehicle operators.
Discounted registration and stamp duty fees
could be offered to operators with sound
safety records. Government can also mandate
investment in newer, safer more sustainable
fleet. Technologies such as autonomous
emergency braking systems, lane departure
ISSUE 10 2018 / WWW.AFMA.NET.AU
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