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The National Transport Commission (NTC) has released an important discussion paper to better support the health of commercial vehicle drivers and to promote road safety.
Initiated at the request of Australia’s Infrastructure and Transport Ministers, the paper explores options for improving early detection and management of health conditions that impact the safety of drivers on our roads.
The project focuses on three high risk conditions that can affect commercial vehicle drivers – cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep disorders. These conditions are often undiagnosed and increase the risk of road incidents.
A key driver for Ministers has been the ACT Chief Coroner’s inquiry into a fatal accident in 2018 involving a driver with undiagnosed sleep apnoea.
“Incidents like this highlight how undiagnosed health conditions can severely impact road safety, and the safety of heavy vehicle drivers” said the NTC’s Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner, Michael Hopkins.
The discussion paper outlines several options for consideration, ranging from no additional health screening to prescribed, evidence-based screening approaches for each of the medical conditions.
The options have been informed by current research, including studies of truck driver health in Australia. They were also developed with input from industry, governments and medical experts.
Over the coming weeks, the NTC will be engaging with the heavy vehicle and transport industry, governments, regulators, unions and medical professionals on the safety concerns associated with the three high-risk conditions, as well as the role of screening in addressing these risks and the potential options.
“We want to hear from you about the potential benefits and challenges associated with the options presented, and any other initiatives that may promote better driver health and improved road safety” said Michael Hopkins.
“Drivers are at the heart of our transport system. They move goods across the country and get people to where they need to be. Their safety should be at the forefront and their health is a big part of that.”
You can read the discussion paper and have your say by visiting the NTC’s website.
Options supported through the consultation process will be presented to Ministers and considered for inclusion in the Assessing Fitness to Drive standards when they are next reviewed by the NTC.
Implementation of any new approaches will involve collaboration across industry and governments and will be a feature of the ongoing implementation work delivered by Austroads.
If you have any questions, you can reach out to Josie Thomas, Principal Policy Advisor – jthomas@ntc.gov.au.
Have your say on how to improve health screenings for heavy vehicle drivers now.