NHVR launches new guidelines for FDDT

Car crashes and road accidents continue to rise in Australia. With owner driver fatigue being the leading factor in trucking accidents, according to the National Heavy Vehicle Regular (NHVR), more are looking to invest in Fatigue and Distraction Detection Technologies (FDDT). In support of this, the NHVR released a new set of guidelines earlier in August to help improve fatigue safety management and road safety.

Key aspects of the NHVR new guidelines

Overview

There’s a guide for identifying potential fatigue risks like drowsy driving and strategies to mitigate them, one of which is using FDDTs. You can learn more about the FDDTs currently available, how they work, and how they can improve fatigue safety management. An example is fatigue monitoring systems, designed to detect and alert owner drivers of signs of fatigue in real-time to prevent accidents and ensure their fitness for duty.

Instructions

The new guidelines also include more practical instructions and recommendations on how FDDTs can be implemented and maintained. Examples include:

• Reviewing and selecting a certified FDDT provider
• Ensuring compatibility with vehicle specifications
• Training programs for owner drivers

Templates

An issue before was that although the technology was available, there needed to be more understanding of the application of FDDTs and how to meet the safety standards under the NHVR. The new guidelines provide clarification by including more comprehensive and ready-to-use templates. Examples include:

• Monitoring Policy
• Pre-start fitness duty form
• FDDT installation check

Processes

Procedures and processes for responding to fatigue and distraction alerts, with or without supervisors, are available too. For example, when a system alerts that the owner driver is showing signs of fatigue, a good protocol would be to pull over to a safe location and take a mandatory rest break. The supervisor or company, for their part, should perform a fatigue risk assessment and look into the driving schedules to ensure employees get adequate rest between shifts.

Available materials

All the resources, summaries, and templates can be found on the NHVR website.

• Good practice guidance material
• Summary

Heavy Vehicle Confidential Reporting Line (HVCRL)

Should there be concerns about implementing FDDTs, working environments, or other related issues, the NHVR has a hotline (1800 931 785) where individuals can submit reports or complaints without fear of being outed. Check their website for more details on what you can use the hotline for. If it’s not on the list or the case needs immediate attention, there’s another hotline you can contact.

Creating a safer road environment

Road safety is a shared responsibility, requiring financial investment and commitment from everyone in the supply chain, not just owner drivers. While the costs of investing in fatigue safety management and FDDTs may seem significant, the benefits far outweigh them. These not only save lives but also improve operational efficiency in the trucking industry, improve working conditions for employees, and prevent dangerous accidents.

The NHVR’s new guidelines encourage accountability and provide much-needed support for complying with fatigue safety standards. However, no amount of preparation is 100% foolproof. Accidents can still happen, so good insurance coverage is important. At Ryno Insurance, our team of expert brokers is here to help you find coverage that suits your trucking needs. So, you can stay proactive and protected. Submit a quote request today!