The Australian Government should provide additional training to help light vehicle drivers learn to share the road safely with heavy vehicles, the ATA has said in this submission to the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee inquiry on road safety.

The heavy vehicle industry needs to continue improving its own safety measures, but we know there are some accidents that are beyond the control of trucking operators.

Many light vehicle drivers are never taught how to share the road safely with heavy vehicles. This can create dangerous situations where motorists drive in a truck’s blind spot, cut into the space in front of a heavy vehicle, or are uncertain about how to overtake a truck.

We also know there are issues when holiday makers unintentionally prevent heavy vehicle drivers from accessing truck rest areas.

It’s essential for heavy vehicle drivers to manage their fatigue while on the road. By improving the design and signage of these rest areas, we can improve safety for all road users.

The submission also recommends publishing guidance material to help heavy vehicle operators keep their vehicles safe and legally compliant, overhauling the Performance Based Standards scheme, and ensuring that the National Heavy Vehicle Law conforms with best practice safety regulation.