Truck drivers are often given a bad rap, especially when it comes to road safety but the truth is truck drivers are not the only ones responsible for safety of road freight. According to the chain of responsibility laws every person in the chain plays a part in road safety from the consignor to the driver.

However sometimes truckies are to blame and need to take responsibility for their actions, for example when they drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and cause crashes. Such an incident occurred in Newcastle last year when an intoxicated truck driver slammed his truck into a school bus resulting in fatalities.

This article from Abc.net.au reports on the incident:

A Brisbane truck driver involved in fatal collision with a school bus in the Upper Hunter was allegedly under the influence of illicit drugs.

Daniel Ronald Hennessy did not face Singleton Local Court today.
The Brisbane truck driver is accused of negligent and dangerous driving in September last year when his prime mover collided with a school bus killing nine-year-old Harry Dunn.

Hennessey was allegedly under the influence of amphetamine and methamphetamine at the time.
In a letter to the court the 35-year-old’s lawyer requested the case be adjourned while they wait for a full brief of evidence from police.

The matter will now be heard at Newcastle Local Court in May.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-03-14/truck-driver-involved-in-fatal-crash-absent-from-court/4572924

While the Chain of Responsibility legislature distributes responsibility across the board for members of the supply chain, many in the transport industry are unaware of their role and the responsibility they carry.

Statistics show that around 18 per cent of road crashes involve heavy vehicles however truck drivers are not solely responsible for this high number. All members of the chain from consignors to drivers have a part to play in the chain of responsibility.

The consignor, consignee, loader or loading manager, the packer, the scheduler, the manager or operator all share responsibility in the chain. While the truckie carries a lot of the responsibility, chain of responsibility laws ensure that all members in the chain carry their weight.

The truck driver must ensure that in his/her duty of transport the load to its destination they comply with all rules of the road. The vehicle needs to be within dimension and mass limits and the load must be properly restrained.

Drivers also need to take the required number of rest breaks, at least a 15 minute break every 2 hours. Speed limits need to be adhered to whether or not there are strict time restraints that need to be met. Safe and responsible driving behaviour is demonstrated at all times regardless of the need to meet deadlines.

Drivers should ensure that:

• They adhere to the driving hours regulations (time spent driving and working)
• Take the required rest breaks
• Record your driving hours as required
• The vehicle does not exceed mass limits
• The vehicle and load do not exceed dimension limits
• The truck’s load is appropriately restrained
• Never exceed the speed limit