Heavy Vehicle Safety Chain of Responsibility Implications

EXTENDED ABSTRACT: Much has been discussed and enacted in regard chain of responsibility involving the loading, operation, scheduling, driver behaviour, driver fatigue and maintenance practices of heavy vehicles and road trauma. In comparison, hitherto, minimal attention has been devoted to chain of responsibility implications associated with heavy vehicle design, specification and detailing aspects and road trauma. This interaction is intensified due to the general adverse infrastructure standard (both sealed and unsealed), long haulage distances, the commonplace haulage of high centre of gravity loads and significant productivity pressure. Furthermore even greater attention must be devoted to correct specification and detailing should the vehicle be hauling combustible loads, stock grates, comprise a ‘new generation’ high productivity combination or be hauled by a short wheel base prime mover. In addition the alarming continual increase in road trauma generated by heavy rigid vehicles suggests chain of responsibility implications be applied to the widest extent possible.