The Federal Government says its safer truck standards will reduce road trauma and enhance productivity.

Effective October 1, 2023, the government has introduced changes to national road vehicle standards.

The updated standards, part of the Safer Freight Vehicles package, bring several additional safety measures into play. 

One key change involves increasing the maximum width limit for new trucks equipped with various safety features.

These enhanced safety features include blind spot reduction devices, electronic stability control, advanced emergency braking systems, lane departure warning systems, improved reflective markings, and side guards designed to prevent pedestrians and cyclists from getting trapped under the rear wheels of trucks.

By incorporating these safety enhancements, the government aims to reduce injuries and save lives among drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Furthermore, the adjustment allowing wider trucks on the roads will lead to a reduction in the total number of road freight trips, resulting in cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and economic benefits.

Importantly, certain safety devices and sensors can now be installed on trucks without affecting width and length measurements. 

These additions include front and kerb view mirrors to enhance visibility around the front-left corner of vehicles, external components of camera monitor systems for improved indirect vision, blind spot sensors, and cross-view mirrors for improved visibility in front of bonneted vehicles.

This change ensures that manufacturers and truck owners are not hindered when installing these vital road safety technologies.

The overall width limit for buses and trailers remains unchanged, although they will also benefit from exemptions for specific safety devices from width and length measurements.

The updates are meant to empower manufacturers to offer safer trucks in Australia, operators are encouraged to maintain communication with their registration authorities to ascertain if road access permits are still necessary.

The Government claims that these Safer Freight Vehicles package modifications will generate a net benefit exceeding $500 million for the Australian economy.