Following the release of new fatal truck crash figures, the Australian Trucking Association (ATA) has announced heavy rigid truck operators must upgrade safety procedures.
The new figures, released by the Federal Infrastructure Department, reveal there were 90 fatal crashes and 95 fatalities involving heavy rigid trucks in 2008.
This is a significant rise from the 78 fatal crashes and 83 fatalities recorded just a year earlier, with Queensland and Western Australia recording the highest increases in the number of fatal crashes involving heavy rigid trucks.
ATA Chairman Trevor Martyn said the dramatic increase was unacceptable and called on all heavy rigid trucking operators to re-evaluate their safety systems.
The ATA said companies need to have procedures to make sure their drivers are fit for duty when they start work, systems to train their staff and drivers properly, with regular safety reminders, systems to guarantee their trucks are maintained safely; and realistic delivery schedules.
Martyn urged governments to take action to reduce the number of truck crashes as well, including under the next version of the National Road Safety Strategy, due to take effect from 2011.
He said more than 70 per cent of the heavy rigid truck crashes in 2008 were multiple vehicle accidents with a substantial number in urban areas.
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