A truck roll-over prevention program being delivered in the Green Triangle region of southwest Victoria and south-east South Australia, is showing signs of success with the number of incidents decreasing by 65% in 2016.

Alan Pincott from Australian Trucking Safety Services and Solutions, said the Green Triangle area has been over represented in heavy vehicle crashes, particularly log and woodchip truck roll-overs, so these numbers are an encouraging sign that the program and subsequent activities are having an impact.

“The roll-over prevention program, which is driven by the timber industry, was delivered to 230 participants at various locations in the Green Triangle area in 2015 and to a further 300 in 2016. It is supported by a marketing program including high quality posters, and large roadside banners, featuring local trucks, which were strategically placed in the area as a reminder of the dangers and the key learnings of the rollover program,” he said.

Truck roll-over data shows that in 2015 there were 14 recorded rollovers in the Green Triangle area. In the time since the prevention program work began, there was a steep decline with only 5 rollovers being recorded. There was also a 35% reduction in overall recorded heavy vehicle crashes from 2015, all of which is a benefit to all heavy vehicle industries in the area, all road users, and the general community.

“The first step to success has been to create knowledge and awareness of the issues through face to face educational programs. Giving people the opportunity to use this knowledge and awareness in finding and implementing the solutions gives them ownership, which is the key to engagement,” Mr Pincott said.

Other key actions undertaken to reduce truck roll-overs in the region include:

• New electronic vehicle activated flashing light rollover warning signs on the Portland- Nelson Road, warning drivers of high risk corners and sections of roads;
• Extra curve warning signs; and
• Clearing of vegetation along the Portland Nelson Road for improved alignment & sight distance for drivers. Mr Pincott said “We have had great buy in from the local industry in this program, with all major plantation companies in the region taking part. They all recognise how important road safety is and we will continue to work with drivers and operators to identify potential black spots and issues and work with the industry to find solutions. We are all committed to further reductions.”

Media contact: Natalie Kimber – nkimber@vafi.org.au – 0401 757 172