​NHVR urges truckies to prioritise fatigue management

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers to prioritise fatigue management, following results from a large operation conducted between Western Australia and Port Augusta in South Australia.

The operation, which spanned five days and commenced in May, involved more authorised officers stationed at the WA-SA border to improve road safety, ensure vehicle standards compliance, and prevent fatigue violations.

Operation Results: What Was Found

NHVR Chief Operations Officer Paul Salvati said 151 intercepts were carried out over five days, during which over 480 individual vehicle units were inspected.

• 140 mechanical checks were conducted, revealing a 24.5% rate of mechanical non-compliance
• 138 work diary checks resulted in a 7.3% rate of fatigue-related non-compliance

"Authorised officers undertook 140 mechanical checks, finding a 24.5% rate of mechanical non-compliance, while 138 work diary checks resulted in a 7.3% rate of fatigue related non-compliance," Mr Salvati said.

Why Fatigue Management Matters for Heavy Vehicle Transport

Fatigue remains one of the leading contributors to heavy vehicle incidents across national transport corridors. Operators managing driver schedules need robust systems to keep crews alert and compliant.

A well-maintained diary and adherence to fatigue management policy for heavy vehicles helps transport businesses identify risks before they escalate into safety incidents. Standard checks, like those performed during this operation, reinforce why consistent monitoring supports safer outcomes for drivers and other road users alike.

Supporting Safe Practices Across the Transport Industry

Transport operators carry responsibility for ensuring their fleets meet vehicle standards and fatigue requirements at every stage of a journey. Implementing a fatigue management module gives businesses a structured, standard approach to tracking rest hours and identifying fatigue risks early.

Safe transport outcomes depend on collaboration between drivers, schedulers, and management teams. A comprehensive fatigue management policy provides transport businesses with clear guidance for keeping drivers safe while meeting national compliance obligations.

Findings from this operation echo previous NHVR messaging around safe driving practices, including its call for truckies to make safety a priority throughout National Safe Work Month. Together, these campaigns highlight an ongoing commitment to safety across Australia's road transport network.

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