Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed NHVR support for an education and awareness campaign to help road and rest stop users to “Coexist” as part of a wider initiative to deliver safer roads.
The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative called for implementable, value-for-money initiatives that deliver significant heavy vehicle safety benefits. Stuart Lamont, CEO of Caravan Industry Association of Australia, said the “Coexist” initiative was one of 12 programs approved for a share of the $3.9 million funding by the NHVR, supported by the Federal Government.
Mr Lamont said, “The Coexist initiative will be a partnership education program with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and others, designed to address growing conflicts between RV users and heavy vehicle drivers at rest stops and on the road. The campaign will inform RV travellers about the appropriate use of rest stop sites and the risks associated with disruptive behaviour to help foster a safer environment for all road users, and specifically to better enable heavy vehicle drivers to meet Fatigue Management Standards”.
Mr Lamont commended the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester for his commitment to road safety and for understanding the need to increase safety initiatives for all road users.
“The Coexist campaign will cover the importance of all drivers abiding by signage to ensure trucks can access designated rest stops to allow for breaks and managing fatigue,” Mr Chester said. “The Federal Government is investing money in valuable road safety initiatives that have been called for by industry and are targeted to where they can make a real difference.”
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto welcomed the partnership with Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
“We don’t pretend to have all the answers, which is why we asked groups to harness their existing knowledge and deliver heavy vehicle safety outcomes,” Mr Petroccitto said. “We sought proposals for programs that can be delivered nationally to enhance safety across the heavy vehicle industry and therefore the safety of all road users.”
Media Release courtesy of Caravan Industry Association of Australia
