Heavy vehicle regulator teams up with outback trucker to deliver road safety message

Heavy Vehicle Regulator Teams Up With Outback Trucker to Deliver Road Safety Message

A popular Western Australian truck driver has joined forces with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) to promote heavy vehicle safety, as part of the regulator's campaign dubbed 'We All Need Space.' This initiative highlights how road safety depends on cooperation between everyday motorists and heavy vehicle operators across the national transport network.

The Message Behind the Campaign

Glenn Kendall says "the message is simple – we need space to keep you safe."

"Truck drivers often feel like they're fighting for every inch of the road, watching other drivers ducking and diving into a space just to get to their destination quicker," he said.

"Sitting up in my cab, I worry watching other motorists make dangerous decisions because they're unaware of what's in front, beside or behind their vehicle."

Why Space Matters for Heavy Vehicle Safety

NHVR's Michelle Tayler said the regulator wants to educate all motorists to be extra careful when driving near trucks. Given the size and stopping distance of heavy vehicles, maintaining adequate space reduces collision risks significantly for both truck drivers and surrounding traffic.

For transport businesses, supporting this kind of road safety messaging complements broader obligations under Chain of Responsibility (CoR) requirements, which hold every party in the supply chain accountable for safe outcomes on our roads.

Building a Safety Culture Across the Transport Industry

Campaigns like 'We All Need Space' reflect a growing recognition within our transport industry that safety cannot rest solely on drivers' shoulders. Motorists, employers, and regulators all share responsibility for protecting people who share our roads with heavy vehicles.

Industry stakeholders can reinforce this message internally by embedding practical tools into daily operations, such as a road vehicle risk assessment form to identify hazards before drivers head out, or a documented tyre changing heavy vehicle SWMS to ensure roadside maintenance tasks meet safe work standards.

These resources support businesses aiming to build a proactive safety culture, one where compliance and genuine care for road users work hand in hand rather than existing as separate obligations.

A National Effort to Protect Road Users

NHVR leads Australia's heavy vehicle safety strategy at a national level, coordinating with state transport authorities and industry groups to keep standards consistent across jurisdictions. Similar collaborative approaches have emerged elsewhere in the safety sector.

For example, the NSW Resource Regulator has taken its mine safety message on the road, demonstrating how regulators nationwide are finding creative ways to connect with workers directly rather than relying solely on formal bulletins or desk-based training.

NHVR has also run targeted enforcement work, including a nationwide waste and construction safety blitz, and previously partnered with comedian Jimmy Rees in a campaign to improve heavy vehicle safety awareness through humour and relatable storytelling.

What This Means for Transport Operators

Transport companies should view public awareness campaigns as an opportunity to reinforce internal safety practices. Consider these actions:

• Share campaign messaging with drivers during toolbox talks or induction sessions
• Review fleet risk assessments to confirm they reflect current road conditions
• Use available safety software to track compliance documentation across your fleet
• Encourage open dialogue between office staff and drivers regarding on-road hazards

Businesses operating heavy vehicles carry a duty to protect not just their employees but everyone sharing the transport corridors they use daily. Aligning internal policies with national campaigns strengthens this shared commitment.

Summary

The NHVR's 'We All Need Space' campaign, fronted by Glenn Kendall, calls on motorists to give trucks adequate room on the road. It reflects a wider push within the transport industry to reduce heavy vehicle incidents through education, collaboration, and consistent national messaging.

For more on this story, visit the NHVR's website. If your organisation needs support documenting road safety procedures or compliance templates, our support team can help you find the right resources.