An investment of $5.5 million across 28 road safety projects has been announced for the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI) by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government is backing new education, research, training and technology initiatives that aim to deliver first-class safety outcomes for the heavy vehicle industry and wider community Under Round 6 of the HVSI.
Initiatives include education programs for younger drivers on how to share the road with heavy vehicles and field-testing safety chain solutions to prevent heavy vehicle trailer separation incidents.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government was funding programs that would help save lives and reduce road trauma.
“Our Government is focused on ensuring road users stay safe and arrive at their destination every time they get behind the wheel,” said Joyce.
“That’s why we’re investing in new and innovative initiatives that will deliver improved safety outcomes for workers in our heavy vehicle industry as well as regular motorists,” he said.
“We want every driver to be safe and initiatives funded under the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative are helping to reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads.”
HVSI has now allocated around $28 million to support 117 projects across six rounds.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the latest round of funding continues the Government’s strong support under the HVSI, providing opportunities for industry, researchers and community groups to deliver key projects underpinning driver, vehicle and community safety.
“Projects across the first five program rounds have delivered beneficial outcomes in mental health, driver safety, road user awareness, codes of practice, chain of responsibility and driver education,” said Buchholz.
“They have also driven the development, delivery and adoption of new technology and innovation relating to fatigue management, safety management systems, load restraint, safety cameras, Seeing Eye machines, rest stop areas to name a few,” he said.
“This is all part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s continuing commitment to improve road safety to move towards zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads.”
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chair Duncan Gay said the HVSI program delivers tangible improvements to heavy vehicle safety.
“The Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative is funding key initiatives that help reshape how we think about road safety,” he said.
“The program brings the community, government and industry together to deliver on a shared goal of safer drivers, safer vehicles and safer road use for all Australians.”