NHVR reminds truckies to prioritise safety during extended wet weather and the beginning of the holiday season

NHVR reminds truckies to prioritise safety during extended wet weather and the beginning of the holiday season, calling on transport operators nationwide to check their heavy vehicle condition before hitting the road as above-average rainfall and increased traffic are expected this season.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) urges truck drivers to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy, with wet conditions and busier freight schedules combining to raise risk across the network.

Why Safety Matters More During Wet Weather

NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM highlighted the importance of prioritising safety and preparedness for drivers and operators, warning about the potential danger of risky driving behaviour in severe weather conditions.

“We’re calling on industry to be extra cautious when checking their vehicles before each journey commences, ensuring routine vehicle maintenance is up to date and pre-departure maintenance checks have been completed,” Mr Petroccitto said.

“Wet weather can be unpredictable, which is why we are encouraging drivers to check local traffic and weather updates regularly and adjust their schedules and routes accordingly.”

Brake Safety a Key Focus for Transport Operators

Mr Petroccitto stated that the regulator is also stressing the crucial significance of brake safety to drivers, as persistent rainfall continues to affect road conditions in several states.

Braking performance underpins overall compliance for any heavy vehicle operation, and operators across Australia should treat routine inspections as a non-negotiable part of their transport schedule during this period.

Practical Steps for Transport Safety Compliance

Transport businesses supporting their drivers through this season should consider the following:

• Schedule pre-departure checks focusing on brakes, tyres, and lights before every trip
• Monitor weather and traffic conditions regularly and adjust routes where needed
• Maintain documented compliance records to demonstrate safety diligence
• Encourage drivers to report vehicle faults immediately rather than deferring repairs

These measures align with broader efforts across the transport sector to reduce incidents on Australian roads during high-risk periods. Businesses reviewing their own procedures may find it useful to compare approaches with related seasonal guidance, such as the NHVR's Easter season safety advice for truckies, which covers similar journey-planning principles.

Other industries facing seasonal pressures have adopted comparable practices. For example, guidance issued to farmers during harvest, including advice from Victorian authorities on harvest season safety and WorkSafe's harvest season safety recommendations, reflects the same emphasis on preparation and vigilance seen in the transport sector.

Supporting Documentation for Transport Compliance

Maintaining strong safety and compliance records requires more than good intentions on the road. Operators can strengthen their systems using resources such as a Work Health and Safety Manual to formalise procedures, or a Tyres and Rims Replacement SWMS to standardise safe work practices around vehicle maintenance tasks.

Businesses seeking a broader management framework may also benefit from an Occupational Health and Safety Manual to embed consistent safety expectations across their fleet operations.

Professionals wanting to stay current on national safety trends can also explore the Workplace Health and Safety Show, and view feedback from other safety-conscious businesses via SafetyDocs customer reviews and testimonials.

Read more here.