Drivers in New South Wales should be aware of new road rules to be implemented as of the beginning of November that will impact travelling distances between heavy vehicles in particular.
As of this month trucks in NSW may have to stay at least 60 meters behind long vehicles according to new rules expected to be implemented as of next month. The main aim of the new rules is to increase road safety. Government have identified areas of vulnerability when it comes to road safety and have come up with a strategy to tackle some of the issues.
The new rules were developed following an inquiry into a crash in 2006 which resulted in the tragic death of a truck driver on the Hume Highway as well as a way of bring NSW regulations into alignment with nation road rules in order to establish consistency for all road users
The new rules require anyone driving vehicles longer than a certain length (7.5 meters) will be required to maintain a following distance of 60m behind vehicles of the same length or more. The exception to the rule will be road trains that will still be expected to maintain a following distance of 200 meters.
Rules regarding the use of portable warning triangles in New South Wales will also be realigned to conform with other states. The changes are also expected to increase heavy vehicle safety and thereby protect truck drivers and ordinary road users. This will be done be introducing minimum distances between vehicles.
The new rules will come into effect as of 1st November and will see drivers new rules for heavy vehicles over 12 tonnes. These drivers will be expected to place 3 triangles on roads with a speed limit of 80km/h if they are stopped, broken down or lost a load and if the vehicle is not visible for 300 meters in all directions.
Drivers will have to place a triangle between 200 and 250 meters behind the vehicle or fallen load, one triangle 200-250 metres in front, and one triangle by the side of the vehicle or load. On a one way road or divided road 3 triangles are also needed in case of an emergency situation but one triangle should be placed in front of the vehicle, between the vehicle or the fallen load, as well as one placed behind the vehicle.
Part of the issue that spurred the changes was the fact that many lives were be lost and other influenced by the large number of crashes and fatalities involving heavy vehicles. The huge cost of these crashes on the economy was also motivation for government to do something about the problem.
Although the changes are relatively small, they can make a big impact on road safety and in particular heavy vehicle road safety. Hopefully incidents like the one on the Hume Highway in 2006 which prompted the changes will be minimised and truck driver’s lives will spared.
