Volunteer drivers worried over new RTA requirements
Member for Ballina Don Page has raised concerns over the new regulations the RTA will be introducing for all heavy vehicle drivers at the end of September.
“I have been approached by a number of volunteer bus drivers who may be adversely affected by the new regulations,” Mr Page said.
“The new regulation in question will require all heavy vehicle drivers to complete and carry with them at all times a detailed work diary.
“Generally I support these regulations where they apply to professional drivers. They are being implemented to combat driver fatigue and the associated deadly consequences.
“However, there are a large number of volunteer drivers who donate their time and services to organisations such as aged care facilities on an irregular basis who should be exempt from the onerous requirement of completing and carrying a detailed work diary.
“These people give up their time to provide an invaluable community service.
“I believe, that where they are travelling short distances on infrequent occasions, it is unreasonable to expect them to complete a detailed work diary.
“Some volunteers have told me they won’t continue to volunteer as bus drivers if they are treated the same way as professional bus or heavy vehicle drivers in terms of a work diary.
“The RTA are currently considering their exemption policy and have assured me that they will take into consideration the concerns that have been raised.
“I have also written to the Minister for Roads asking him to consider exempting volunteer bus drivers who drive short distances in support of community groups.
“I am hopeful that common sense will prevail.
“The alternative could see a large number of volunteer drivers no longer providing their services to worthwhile causes due to the onerous regulations.”
August 21st, 2008 at 10:17 pm
While it’s all very well targeting “proffesional drivers” with weight and time restrictions.
However the general public choose to ignore the very real danger of the weekenders and holiday makers. They seem to to think that because they don’t drive a big rig they can get away with overloading their vehicles, well over not only the legal limit, but the practical limits. And then drive well beyond, again not only the legal times, that they themselves state the truckies must abide to, but their own (very limited) endurance.
Time and again we see people leaving work, going home packing the car and heading off on holiday, lets put down a few figures theoretically, wake up 7:00 head to work and start by 9:00 work though till 5:00 (been awake for 10 hours) head home and now change routine, instead of sitting down and relaxing as normal, raise the stress level by packing a car getting the kids ready, maybe eat a rushed meal, instead of relaxing with a beer drink some strong coffee to keep awake, (if they think of it,,) call it 9:00pm. in the car and heading off, now been awake for 14 hours and instead of the body’s usual relaxed state it’s now gone hypo! and the cars handling dynamics has been complety changed, as well as following an unfamiliar route. a dangerous recipe for disaster!
Compare that to a professional driver (large or small vehicle) that is used to the sort of highway and long distance traveling that most people may experience twice a year. Driveing a vehicle that is designed and maintained to handle the work, not like the average sedan that is built for driveing around town predomantly.
I believe that the professional drivers should be left alone, and have a closer look at the way the average car driver handles themselves instead. perhaps a driver retest every 5- 6 years to make sure their skills and understanding of all the new road rules, (like roundabouts!) are up to the same mark as what they say all the new drivers (L and P platers, and not forgetting our beloved truckies) should be?