Police are warning that they will be cracking down on heavy vehicle companies and drivers who operate unsafely. This warning comes as police, working with road, transport and safety agencies across Australia and New Zealand launch Operation AUSTRANS (20 May – 16 June 2013). As well as speed compliance, Operation AUSTRANS will also be targeting the heavy vehicle road transport sector on road safety issues such as fatigue, vehicle compliance and drug use.

Chief Executive Officer of the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA), Jon White says that unsafe operation of heavy vehicles can have serious consequences because of their size and weight. ANZPAA is the agency that serves Police Commissioners across Australia and New Zealand. “Police recognise that while heavy vehicle drivers contribute to only about 40 per cent of crashes in which they are involved in the risk of death or serious injury in these crashes is higher. Heavy vehicles can weigh up to 65 tonnes and when they collide with another smaller vehicle, such as a car or motorbike, the results can be catastrophic,” says Mr White.

Police will be taking action – on major highways, on suburban streets, and on country back roads to ensure heavy vehicles are being operated safely.

Although police will be focusing on heavy vehicles, all motorists are reminded that they should also take care around heavy vehicles when on the road. For example, larger vehicles do not have the same braking or manoeuvring ability as other road users.

“Abrupt lane changes, tailgating, speeding and unsafe overtaking around heavy vehicles have a higher chance of tragic consequences because of their large mass and weight,” says Mr White.

Police aim to reduce illegal and unsafe activity in the heavy vehicle industry and ensure safety and compliance standards and procedures are met. Operation AUSTRANS is part of the commitment by Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners to the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety.

Source: Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Agency (ANZPAA)