"Impossible" Pressures Lead To Truckie Deaths

A fatal collision of 2 cars and 2 trucks on the Pacific Highway near Macksville has sparked an urgent call for WorkCover to launch immediate investigations into truck fatalities on NSW roads.

In the 12 months to October last year there was a 30% increase in the number of people killed in truck accidents on NSW roads.

"Unless more is done to reduce the pressures and demands being placed on truck drivers to met impossible client deadlines at the cheapest possible price, however, we face the grim prospect of even more deaths this year," NSW Transport Worker's Union State Secretary Tony Sheldon said today.

Driver fatigue continues to be identified as the major cause in almost 25% of truck related accidents. 30% of drivers working in the long distance industry consistently report they resort to illegal stimulant use to stay awake behind the wheel.

"Transport industry clients continue to force drivers to work longer, harder and faster to meet their impossible demands, taking no care or responsibility for what is happening on our roads. At the worst end of the industry, even some prominent industry operators, are actively encouraging drivers to breach driving hours, speed and resort to illegal stimulant use."

"To reduce the number of people being killed in truck accidents on our roads WorkCover needs to immediately commence an investigation into [the Macksville] accident and all other fatal truck accidents on our roads."

Recommendations to adopt an enforceable code of practice for the industry including, sustainable rates of pay, and chain of responsibility provisions to make clients accountable also need to be implemented.

The news comes as North Coast councils, politicians and communities are to lobby the Federal Government for funding to fast-track upgrading of the Pacific Highway.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Jenny Bonfield says the double fatality just north of Macksville highlights how dangerous the road has become.

"We need this highway done up immediately," says Bonfield. "It's a disaster."

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:37 EST