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TWU FIGHTS FOR TRUCK STOPS
Truck stops provide a crucial resting place for truck drivers to take a break and manage their fatigue. Client pressure to arrive at destinations faster and stay on the road for longer makes the availability of truck stops all the more important. Driver fatigue is the single most significant cause of road crashes involving heavy vehicles. To assist drivers to take regular rest breaks, truck stops and rest areas must be built on major transport routes.
There is a severe shortage of truck stops across the country. The lack of facilities at these stops makes for appalling conditions for our truck drivers. Shade, toilet and food facilities, picnic tables and chairs do simply not exist at many truck stops.
The current shortage of truck stops means that many drivers who are fatigued and are desperate to pull over and rest simply can’t. Barry Grimson has been a truck driver for over 40 years and says that there have been times when he has been so tired and unable to find a truck stop, or even pull over on the other side of the road that he has considered stopping in the middle of the road. There should be no doubt that the shortage of truck stops is a national safety issue. “I’ve seen that many guys driving towards me with their eyes are hanging out of their heads, you have to wonder how much longer they can keep going before an accident happens” says Barry.
Rod Hannifey has been a full time truck driver for over 20 years and has been actively involved in the campaign to make sure there are enough truck stops in the right locations.
One of Rod’s most successful campaigns has resulted in blue reflector lights being placed on sections of the Newell Highway to mark safe areas for truck drivers to pull over and take a break. “If only one fatigue truck crash is prevented, the cost of installing and maintaining Blue Reflector marking of informal truck rest areas across Australia will be worthwhile,” said Rod.
For many drivers who are not familiar with the highway this is crucial so that when fatigued they may take breaks in safe locations. Transport Operators Rachael and Alan Magill often hear from their drivers that there is a reliance on the 'blue markers' to find a rest area when the next town is just too far ahead. It’s clear that the lack of truck stops has made initiatives like this vital for the management of driver fatigue.
The Howard Federal Government continues to play the blame game and pass the buck to State Labor Governments. It’s about time the Federal Government stopped playing politics and put the safety of not just truck drivers, but all Australians, first.
The simple fact is that if truck drivers are exhausted when driving, they’ll not only be risking their lives – but those of every single road user. It is essential we have a productive industry, but equally essential we have a safe industry with well rested drivers.
The Transport Worker’s Union is committed to keeping up the fight to ensure that truck drivers have a safe place to stop and rest.
Writing to your Federal member of parliament, the ATA, your local paper and ringing up your local radio station to voice your concern will make a difference. The fight for more truck stops with adequate facilities is one which we can win.
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