NHVR warns truckies navigating steep declines following multiple fatal incidents and near misses

NHVR Warns Truckies Navigating Steep Declines Following Multiple Fatal Incidents and Near Misses

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) issues urgent warning to heavy vehicle operators, urging utmost caution when descending steep slopes. This follows several dangerous incidents on Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley in New South Wales, where multiple trucks have lost control on steep descents.

Brett Patterson, NHVR Director of Central Region, noted that Bulli Pass was the site of two fatal collisions involving heavy vehicles last year, resulting in tragic loss of two lives and several severe injuries. The NHVR is also aware of near-misses reported by truck drivers travelling through these corridors, further highlighting the significant safety risk facing the transport industry.

Repeated Incidents Raise Industry Concern

"Over the past few years, we have seen many trucks lose control down these steep descents, leading to serious damage to vehicles and infrastructure, delays and serious road trauma," Mr Patterson said.

Steep descents can present unique operational challenges for the transport industry, particularly where heavy vehicle mass and speed interact with gradient and braking demands. Following multiple incidents on these routes, industry stakeholders are being reminded that compliance with signage and safe driving practices remains essential to preventing further trauma.

What the NHVR Recommends

The NHVR urges drivers to pay attention to steep descent warning signs and switch to a low gear before starting any descent. According to the heavy vehicle regulator, this precaution proves vital for maintaining a safe, controlled speed while preventing undue wear on braking systems.

• Observe posted steep descent warning signs at all times
• Shift into low gear before commencing a descent
• Maintain safe following distances from other vehicles
• Report near misses to support ongoing industry compliance monitoring

For operators across the transport industry, embedding these habits into daily practice supports both national compliance obligations and broader efforts to reduce road trauma involving heavy vehicles.

Strengthening Compliance Across the Transport Industry

Businesses managing heavy vehicle fleets can benefit from reviewing existing safety protocols against NHVR guidance. Robust high risk and incident management plans help organisations document procedures for hazardous routes, driver training, and emergency response.

Similar warnings have emerged from other regulators recently. SafeWork's recent alert to workplaces following two serious incidents and WorkSafe WA's reminder on mobile plant safety following fatal incidents both reflect a national pattern of regulators urging heightened vigilance across high-risk operations.

Truck operators should also review guidance from NHVR's advice on journey planning and safety during the Easter season, which reinforces many of the same principles around route awareness and vehicle preparedness.

Maintaining accurate records through tools like a Plant and Equipment Register and formalising expectations via a Plant and Equipment Policy can further support fleet compliance across demanding routes. Setting measurable safety benchmarks through an Objectives and Targets Policy also helps organisations track progress toward reducing incidents.

Professionals seeking to stay informed on emerging risks and compliance updates may also find value attending the Workplace Health and Safety Show, where industry experts discuss practical strategies for managing transport and vehicle-related hazards.

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