The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and NSW Government are putting safety at the top of the Christmas list, urging all drivers to take extra care on the roads during the holiday season.
Minister for Roads John Graham said with more people out and about during the Christmas and New Year period travelling longer distances to see family and friends, it's critical that drivers prioritise safety behind the wheel whether they are in a small private vehicle or our heavy vehicle drivers getting freight around the state.
"I'd like to remind everybody, from new to experienced drivers, to be cautious on the road these holidays," Minister Graham said.
"This includes focusing on rest and taking breaks when needed, avoiding distraction and adhering to the speed limit. Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to 41 per cent of all fatalities over the past decade.
"The best gift we can all give this Christmas is contributing to safer roads - we want all road users to be able to enjoy the celebrations with their loved ones."
In a nationwide push to ensure safer roads this Christmas, the NHVR will be conducting Operation Omega alongside police in December, which will run across New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
NHVR CEO Sal Petroccitto OAM said the operation will see hundreds of officers on the ground, conducting inspections and ensuring heavy vehicle drivers are complying with their work and rest requirements.
"This year, we have sadly already seen 120 fatal crashes involving heavy vehicles across Australia and 135 lives lost," Mr Petroccitto said.
"Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads - which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas.
"Officers will conduct roadside checks, inspect logbooks and monitor driving behaviour to identify and prevent fatigue-related incidents occurring."
Mr Petroccitto said Operation Omega will see authorised officers focus their efforts across high-risk areas where driver fatigue poses significant danger.
"We are partnering with police across the country, increasing our patrols at identified high crash risk areas, during high fatigue risk hours," he said.
"As part of the NHVR's inform, educate and enforce approach, our officers will continue to work with industry to raise better awareness of the extreme risk that fatigue presents."
From January to October this year, the NHVR recorded more than 1,750 fatigue-related offences across NSW, including heavy vehicle drivers exceeding their permitted work hours, or failing to record work and rest hours.
"While we understand the pressures and deadlines drivers may face during the busy festive period, cutting corners on rest is simply not an option," Mr Petroccitto emphasised.
"Fatigue remains one of the deadliest risks on our roads - which is why we are doing everything in our power to ensure all road users get home safe this Christmas."
The NHVR also encourages general motorists to refresh their knowledge on simple advice - such as not overtaking a turning truck and avoiding a truck's blind spots - to help ensure everyone can make it to their destination safely.
Heavy vehicle drivers who feel pressured by their employer to drive while fatigued can call the NHVR's Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Hotline on 1800 931 785.
