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MULTI-COMBINATION
THEORY COURSE
(MODULE 1) V3 06/08/19
The contents of this manual remain the property of the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure, (DTEI). No part of it can therefore be used or reproduced without the prior written permission of the Coordinator, Standards and Training, DTEI.
Multi-Combination Course
1 by 3 Hour Session
STUDENT REGISTRATION
MASS DEFINITIONS
LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS
GIVE WAY RULES
SPEED LIMITS
ROAD RULES
CRASHES – LEGAL OBLIGATION
DRUGS AND DRIVING
EYE SIGHT
OBSERVATION
REACTION AND BRAKING
VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
PERMIT VEHICLE CONFIGURATIONS
TRAILERS
AXLE WEIGHTS
PERMITS
WARNING SIGNS FOR COMBINATIONS OVER 22 METRES LONG
MULTI-COMBINATION VEHICLES AND REQUIREMENTS
ROUTES
HOURS OF DRIVING AND RECORDS KEEPING
REFERENCE MATERIAL
➢ ROAD FRIENDLY SUSPENSION
➢ HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVER FATIGUE LAWS
Page No.
Cover Page 1
Session Plan 2
Content 3-4
Mass Definitions 5
Licence Classifications 6-8
Give-Way Hierarchy 9-10
Speed Limits 11
Road Rules 12-14
Crashes – Legal Obligation 15
Drugs / Alcohol and Driving Offences 16-18
The Eyes 19-21
Observation 22
Night Driving 23
Rules of Braking / Skidding & Reaction / Braking 24-26
Heavy Vehicle Dimensions 27-31
Rear Marker Plates / Portable Reflectors 32-33
Permit Vehicle Configurations 34
Trailers 35
Axle weights 36
Permits / Government Gazette Notices 37-40
Warning signs for combinations over 22 metres long 40-41
B-DOUBLE VEHICLES
Conditions 42
Dimensions 42
Transport of Freight 42-43
Operating Requirements 44
B-DOUBLE VEHICLES (continued) Page No.
Inspection Labelling 44
Mudguards / Spray Suppression 45
Miscellaneous Items 45
ROAD TRAINS
Conditions 46
Dimensions 46
Draw Bar 46
Rear Overhang 46-47
Tow coupling Overhang 47
Comparative Length of Trailers 47
Maximum Gross Vehicle Mass 47
Tracking 48
Maximum Speed Limit / Speed Restrictions 48
Lighting 48
Travel on Approved Routes 48
Vehicle Maintenance Management Accreditation 49
Drivers Health 49
Transport of Indivisible Items 50
Routes 50
Route Restrictions 50
Times of Travel 51
Definitions 52-54
Driving Hours, Work Diary and Record keeping 55-59
Road Friendly Suspension (Reference Material) 60-65
Rule 108, arrester beds, bike lanes, COR. 67-73
Note:
The information recorded in this document may change without notice.
MASS DEFINITIONS:
UNLADEN MASS (UL)
The weight of the vehicle without any cargo but does include your fuel, oil and tools etc. In the case of an articulated vehicle it means the prime mover only.
GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM)
The maximum loaded mass of the vehicle, as set by the motor vehicle manufacturer or the registration authority.
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GROSS COMBINATION MASS (GCM)
The greatest possible sum of the maximum loaded mass of a motor vehicle and of any vehicles that may lawfully be towed by it at one time, as specified by the motor vehicle manufacturer or the registration authority.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS
CLASS C
MAY DRIVE any motor vehicle with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) not exceeding 4500 kg (but not including buses designed to carry more than 12 seated persons, motor cycles and motor trikes). Examples of vehicles which may be driven: sedans, station wagons, panel vans, utilities, light delivery vans, small trucks, quad bikes, special purpose vehicles (e.g. farm machines, small tractors, forklifts, or other like machinery);
small articulated vehicles provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not exceed 4500 kg. For example, small truck towing a horse float, trailer or caravan.
MAY TOW Trailer, horse float, caravan or farm implement.
Minimum
Age 17 years, learner’s permit for at least 12 months (6 months if aged over 25).
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Moped with engine capacity 50 ml or less
CLASS LR
MAY DRIVE any motor vehicle covered by class C
any motor vehicle with a GVM exceeding 4500 kg but not exceeding 8000 kg (e.g. trucks, vans, tippers, special purpose vehicles, and buses designed to carry 13 or more seated persons );
medium articulated vehicles, provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not exceed 8000 kg.
MAY TOW any farm implement. Any trailer provided the overall mass is within the gross combination mass (GCM) of the towing vehicle.
Driving
Experience Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least one year.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS (continued)
CLASS MR
MAY DRIVE
A motor vehicle authorised to be driven by a licence of a preceding class
A motor vehicle (other than a special purpose vehicle) with 2 axles and a GVM greater than 8 tonne
A motor vehicle included above towing a single trailer (other than a semi-trailer) with a GVM not greater than 9 tonne, subject to the combination mass limits fixed under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (South Australia)
A special purpose vehicle with 2 axles and a GVM greater than 8 tonne, or 3 or more axles and a GVM not greater than 15 tonne
May tow:
• any farm implement
• any trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9 tonne provided it is within the GCM of the towing vehicle.
Driving
Experience Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least one year.
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CLASS HR
MAY DRIVE any motor vehicle covered in class MR;
any motor vehicle with three or more axles (e.g. trucks and tippers);
any special purpose vehicle;
medium articulated vehicles, provided the GVM of the towing vehicle does not exceed 8000 kg;
any bus (including articulated buses).
MAY TOW any farm implement. Any trailer with a GVM not exceeding 9000 kg provided it is within the GCM of the towing vehicle.
Driving
Experience Must have held a class C driver’s licence for at least two years, or a class LR or MR driver’s licence for at least one year.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE CLASSIFICATIONS (continued)
CLASS HC
MAY DRIVE any motor vehicle covered by class HR;
a prime mover to which is attached a single semi-trailer (whether or not any unladen converter dolly is also attached);
a rigid motor vehicle to which is attached a single trailer with a GVM greater than 9000 kg (whether or not any unladen converter dolly is also attached).
Driving
Experience Must have held a class MR or HR driver’s licence for at least one year.
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CLASS MC
MAY DRIVE any motor vehicle covered by class HC;
B doubles;
road trains
Driving
Experience Must have held a class HC or HR driver’s licence for at least one year.
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DRIVER’S LICENCE (Motor Vehicles Act: Rule 98AAA)
A person must carry his or her driver’s licence at all times while driving a heavy vehicle on a road and must produce the licence forthwith if requested to do so by a police officer. A heavy vehicle means a motor vehicle that has a GVM greater than 4500 kg.
THE GIVE WAY HIERARCHY
When the driver of a vehicle approaches any intersection,
the rules for Giving Way should be considered in this order:
1. Traffic Lights - obey traffic light rules and rule 4.
2. Signs or Lines - ‘Give Way’ sign, ‘Stop’ sign, ‘Roundabout’ sign,
‘Give Way’ line, ‘Stop’ line.
3. ‘T’ intersection rule - there must be only one terminating road.
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4. Vehicles turning to the right must give way to vehicles approaching from
the opposite direction.
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5.. In all other cases - give way to the right (‘D’ rule).
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Note:
If you are a turning vehicle at an intersection or “T” intersection (Both left and right) you must give way to pedestrians at or near the road you are about to enter.
GIVE WAY SITUATIONS
(OTHER THAN AT INTERSECTIONS)
1. Moving away from the kerb - to all other vehicles travelling along the same road.
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2. Approaching a level crossing - to all rolling stock (trams or trains).
3. At pedestrian crossings - to all pedestrians using the crossing, only while the lights are flashing or have been activated to allow pedestrians to cross.
4. Entering a road from private land - to all pedestrians and vehicles using the road.
5. Entering private land from a road - to all pedestrians and vehicles using the road.
6. When attempting a ‘U’ turn - to all other vehicles and pedestrians.
7. When merging into traffic (Zip Merge) – where the road narrows, to any vehicle that is partly or wholly in front of your vehicle.
8. Emergency vehicles - to allow a free passage by moving to the left or right or slowing down.
SPEED LIMITS IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA
School zones. The speed-limit for a driver for any length of road in a school zone is 25 km/h at anytime when children are in the zone.
Shared zones. The speed-limit for a driver for any length of road in a shared zone is the number of kilometres per hour indicated by the number on the shared zone sign on the road, or the road into the zone.
25 km/h Maximum speed in any direction when passing a school bus which has stopped to allow children to board or alight.
25 km/h Maximum speed-limit when passing emergency services vehicles which are stationary and displaying red and/or blue flashing lights (whether or not they are also displaying other lights)
50 km/h Speed limit within a built up area unless you pass a different sign posted speed limit on that road.
100 km/h State limit which includes "L" plate holders,"P" plate holders, omnibuses with a GVM over 5 tonnes, or heavy vehicles with a GVM over 12 tonnes.
Note:
1. Some roads in South Australia may be sign posted at a limit of 110 km/h which allows drivers of certain vehicles to travel up to 110 km/h.
2. If a vehicle is an oversize or over-mass vehicle, the vehicle may be restricted to a lower speed limit.
3. Where two speed limits apply at the same time, the lower limit must be obeyed.
ROAD RULES
A ROAD (RULE 12) IS:
An area that is open to or used by the public and is developed for, or has as one of its main uses, the driving or riding of motor vehicles.
A ROAD RELATED AREA (RULE 13) IS:
• An area that divides a road;
• A footpath or nature strip adjacent to a road;
• An area that is not a road and that is open to the public and designated for use by cyclists or animals;
• An area that is not a road and that is opened to or used by the public for driving, riding or parking vehicles.
A BUILT-UP AREA IS:
A built-up area, in relation to a length of road, means an area in which there are buildings on land next to the road, or there is street lighting, at intervals not over 100 metres for a distance of at least 500 metres or, if the road is shorter than 500 metres, for the whole road.
HEAVY VEHICLES TO BE EQUIPPED WITH PORTABLE WARNING TRIANGLES (RULE 226):
This rule applies to drivers of:
• Any motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) with a GVM over 12 tonnes; or
• Any motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) forming part of a combination if the total GVM of the combination is over 12 tonnes.
LONG VEHICLES TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT FROM THE NEXT LANE
(RULES 28 & 32):
When turning left or right, a driver may approach and enter an intersection from partly or wholly within the marked lane that is next to the respective left or right lane if:
• The driver’s vehicle, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long, or longer; and
• The vehicle displays a “do not overtake turning vehicle sign”; and
• Any part of the vehicle is within 50 metres of the nearest point of the intersection; and
• It is not practicable for the driver to turn left or right from the appropriate lane; and
• The driver can safely occupy the next marked lane and can safely turn left or right at the intersection by occupying the next marked lane, or both lanes.
ROAD RULES (continued)
STOPPING ON A ROAD - HEAVY AND LONG VEHICLES (RULE 200):
1. The driver of a heavy vehicle or a long vehicle must not stop on a length of road that is not in a built-up area, except on the shoulder of the road.
2. The driver of a heavy vehicle, or a long vehicle, must not stop on a length of road in a built-up area for longer than 1 hour, unless the driver is permitted to stop on the length of road for longer than 1 hour by information on or with a traffic control device, or under another law of this jurisdiction.
In this rule; a heavy vehicle means a vehicle with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or more.
BICYCLE LANES (RULE 153):
1. A driver (except the rider of a bicycle) must not drive in a bicycle lane, except as stated below.
2. If stopping or parking is permitted at a place in a bicycle lane under another law of this jurisdiction, a driver may drive up to 50 metres in the bicycle lane to stop or park at that place.
3. A driver may drive for up to 50 metres in a bicycle lane:
• If he driver is driving a public bus, public minibus or taxi, and is dropping off or picking up, passengers; or
• To enter or leave a road; or
• To enter a part of a road of one kind from a part of the road of another kind (for example, moving to or from a service road, the shoulder of the road or an emergency stopping lane; or
• To overtake a vehicle that is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving a right change of direction signal; or
• To enter a marked lane, or a line of traffic, from the side of the road.
BUS LANES (RULE 154):
A driver must not drive in a ‘Bus’ lane except to:
• Turn left at or before the next road on the left,
• Enter or leaving land adjacent to a road;
• Move from one line of traffic to another or go around an obstruction; or
• Pass another vehicle on the left that is waiting to turn right.
In each case, the driver is not permitted to travel for more than 100 metres in the ‘Bus’ lane unless the driver is driving a public bus.
GIVE WAY:
To give way means that if there is a reasonable possibility of a collision with or endangering the other person or driver, the driver shall slow down to such an extent or stop, if necessary, for such time to allow the vehicle or person to continue on course without risk of such a collision or danger.
ROAD RULES (continued)
NIGHT DRIVING (RULE 215):
When driving at night "lighting up" time is from sunset to sunrise, or during periods of poor visibility. Headlights should be used together with rear lights, number plate light and, if appropriate, clearance lights. It is an offence to drive a vehicle displaying parking lights only during sunset to sunrise.
USING HEADLIGHTS ON HIGH-BEAM (RULE 218)
The driver of a vehicle must not use the vehicle’s headlights on high-beam, if the driver is driving:
• Less than 200 metres behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction as the driver; or
• Less than 200 metres from any oncoming vehicle.
However, if the driver is overtaking a vehicle, the driver may briefly switch the headlights from low-beam to high-beam immediately before the driver begins to overtake the vehicle.
TURN SIGNALS (RULES 46 & 48):
A driver who intends to turn or diverge his vehicle to the left or the right must give a clear signal for a reasonable distance or time to allow sufficient warning to be given to other road users.
If the driver is about to change direction by moving from a stationary position at the side of the road or in a median strip parking area, the driver must give the change of direction signal for at least 5 seconds before the driver changes directions. The driver must stop giving the change of direction signal as soon as the driver completes the change of direction.
KEEPING A MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN LONG VEHICLES (RULE 127):
The driver of a long vehicle must drive at least the required minimum distance behind another long vehicle travelling in front of the driver, unless the driver is:
• Driving on a multi-lane road or any length of road in a built-up area; or
• Overtaking.
Required minimum distance means:
(a) For a road train that is behind a long vehicle—200 metres or, if another law of this jurisdiction specifies a different distance, that distance; or
(b) For a long vehicle other than a road train that is behind a long vehicle—60 metres or, if another law of this jurisdiction specifies a different distance, that distance.
CRASHES - LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
A DRIVER INVOLVED IN A CRASH MUST:
1. Stop immediately.
2. Renders assistance to those injured.
3. Give names, and addresses of the driver and registered owner, and the registered number of the vehicle and any other information that could identify the vehicle to others involved in the crash or their representatives.
4. Report the crash to Police as soon as possible, including details of weather and road conditions, positions and speeds of vehicles before and at the time of collision;
• In any case, where special circumstances exist, within 24 hours;
• If the required details are not given to the other driver for any reason;
• If the vehicle is towed or carried away by another vehicle;
• If a fair estimate of the cost of making good the damage to property is more than $3000.
5. Report the crash to Police within 90 minutes where a person is killed or injured.
6. As soon as possible, notify the 3rd party insurance company in writing if any person is injured or killed.
DRUGS AND DRIVING
It is an offence to drive under the influence of drugs in all States of Australia. The drug does not have to be illegal; it could be prescribed by a doctor. However, if it affects your driving ability, then it becomes an offence.
WHAT IS A DRUG?
A drug is any chemical compound, which when taken, affects the mood, performance or the state of being of the person.
Alcohol is a drug.
FACTS ON ALCOHOL:
Alcohol is a depressant drug. Its effects are varied and can depend on the amount that is consumed
• Your age
• Body size
• Gender
• Mood and emotional state
• How tired you feel
BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION
The level of alcohol in your blood can be measured. This measure is called BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration.
HOW IS BAC DETERMINED?
The BAC can be determined by analysing a sample of blood or by using a Breath Analysing Instrument (Breathalyser) to measure the level of alcohol in the breath.
The results are expressed as a ratio of alcohol (in grams) per volume 100 millilitres of blood.
In other words a BAC of 0.08 means that there is 0.08 of a gram of alcohol in each 100 millilitres of your blood.
DRUGS AND DRIVING (continued)
THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON TRUCK DRIVERS:
• Feeling light-headed.
• Feelings of fatigue are noticed much earlier.
• Being less alert, more relaxed and more likely to fall asleep.
• False sense of confidence, making drivers more likely to take risks on the road.
• Poor driving ability, e.g. slower to react and poor judgement.
• Remember – even very low levels of alcohol in the blood can cause feelings of fatigue. Drivers need to be aware of this when they plan to have a drink before starting a shift.
ALCOHOL ABUSE CAUSES SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS:
• High blood pressure.
• High risk of stroke.
• Ulcers, cancer of the mouth, throat and stomach.
• Liver disease.
• Depression.
• Brain damage.
MEDICATION:
Certain medicines such as cough mixtures cold/flu and allergy medications can:
• Cause drowsiness.
• Impair senses.
• Slow your responses, particularly while driving.
If you have taken any kind of medication, watch for the following signs before you start to drive:
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision.
• Mood changes.
• Strange feelings you don’t normally get.
• Be sure to strictly follow any medical advice given to you.
• Read and understand information about drowsiness, potential effects while driving and correct dosage. If this kind of information is not on the label, then it is your responsibility to ask the doctor or chemist.
DRUGS AND DRIVING (continued)
STIMULANT DRUG GROUPS:
Amphetamines, such as Methedrine or pep pills, have immediate effects of:
• Excitement and feeling high.
• Reduced fatigue.
• Boosting of person’s confidence.
When stimulants wear off, depression and fatigue set in.
Cocaine is a mental and physical stimulant, commonly used as a drug to stay awake. It has the
immediate effect of appearing to reduce feelings of tiredness. As it wears off, the user becomes depressed and even more fatigued.
The effect of marijuana usually has two stages:
• High feeling, followed by:
• Being less alert and having a loss of judgement of time and space.
OFFENCES FOR PUBLIC PASSENGER AND HEAVY VEHICLE DRIVERS (section 47 Road Traffic Act)
IT IS AN OFFENCE IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IF THE FOLLOWING DRIVERS DRIVE WITH ANY CONCENTRATION OF ALCOHOL IN THEIR BLOOD:
• Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass exceeding 15 tonnes.
• Prime movers with an unladen mass exceeding 4 tonnes.
• Buses designed to carry more than 12 persons including the driver.
• Mini-buses designed to carry 9 - 12 persons, including the driver, which are used for hire, business or community purposes.
• Taxis and hire cars while carrying passengers for hire.
• Vehicles used to transport dangerous substances within the meaning of the Dangerous Substances Act.
• Persons who are driving under learner’s permit or probationary licence conditions.
MAIN ALCOHOL OFFENCES WHEN DRIVING:
1. DUI. Driving Under the Influence
2. BAC. Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration
3. Refuse a Breath Test.
4. Refuse a Blood Test.
THE EYES
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ABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS
EYESIGHT
Of the five major senses the most important one when driving is sight. Vision is the main sense that we use. The four areas of the eye that we use are:
• Peripheral Vision (180° with both eyes)
• Colour Vision (60° - 70°) Recognition
• Clear focal vision (2° – 3° for each eye)
• Blind spot area
DEFINITION: A blind spot is an area in a driver’s visual field which is obstructed in such a way that the driver may be blind to potential danger from those areas unless the driver takes specific precautionary action to manage such potential danger.
TWO TYPES OF BLIND SPOTS ARE:
1. This blind spot is from a small oval shaped area of the retina, where the optic nerve enters; in which vision is not experienced (i.e. there are no light-sensitive Cone or Rod cells in that part of the Retina to detect light).
2. A place or area where vision is hidden or obscured such as behind the screen pillars or behind another vehicle or object outside the vehicle.
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OBSERVATION
The ‘rods’ and ‘cones’ within the eye are nerve endings that receive the light images that translate those images and colours to the brain by way of the optic nerve.
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RULES OF OBSERVATION
Knowing that the ability to see is the most important sense that we use in driving, researchers have nominated five “Rules of Observation” to provide a system of training the eyes and mind to consistently select the important details:
AIM HIGH IN STEERING:
Look well ahead when driving your vehicle. Steer the vehicle using your lower fringe vision. Look in the direction you want the vehicle to go especially in bends and corners.
GET THE BIG PICTURE:
By moving your eyes, you are able to check the far distance, the middle distance and the near distance directly in front. In addition, the mirror should be checked on average at least once every 8-10 seconds. This constant checking ensures that the driver is fully aware of everything that is occurring around the vehicle.
KEEP THE EYES MOVING:
Don’t fix your eyes on any single object for more than about 2 seconds. Keep moving your eyes from object to object; otherwise danger could threaten your vehicle from another source without you being aware of it.
LEAVE YOURSELF AN “OUT”:
When driving, always have a plan of escape should the traffic conditions change quickly. If a vehicle is tailgating, leave more space in front of your vehicle which reduces your braking requirements. Offset your vehicle where possible to the vehicle travelling alongside. This allows space for other vehicles to escape if they should swerve suddenly.
MAKE SURE OTHER ROAD USERS SEE YOU:
Look at the faces of other drivers to see if they are looking at you. Get eye contact with those other drivers. Use your signals early in plenty of time ensuring they are clearly understood. Position your vehicle in such a way to clearly show your intention. Where possible do not travel in the blind spot areas of other vehicles.
NIGHT DRIVING
Night driving is something that does not come naturally to humans. Unlike creatures such as bats and owls which are nocturnal, our eyes are designed to work with light and if there is none then we have to compromise by using artificial lights such as the headlights of the vehicle. During the day we can see all around us by turning the head and moving the eyes as there is light everywhere but at night we can only see where the headlights are pointing which is in front of us so we cannot see to the sides or behind us. We also become reliant on other drivers using their lights correctly.
Some simple rules for night driving are:
• Do not out-drive your headlights. If, at the speed you are travelling, it takes 100 metres to stop and your lights are only showing you 80 metres ahead then you are going too fast.
• Do not look directly at on-coming headlights, look to the left side of the road and if necessary, follow the edge line, slow down or stop if you cannot see. You can easily be ‘blinded’ by the lights and it will take several seconds to recover so keep your speed down until your eyes recover from the glare.
• High beam must be dipped if an on-coming vehicle is within 200 metres. Consider dipping your headlights earlier if possible and safe. . Rule 219 states that “a driver must not use, or allow to be used, any light fitted to or in the driver’s vehicle to dazzle, or in a way that is likely to dazzle, another road user”
• High beam must be dipped if driving behind a vehicle travelling in the same direction that is within 200 metres. Consider dipping your headlights earlier if possible and safe.
• Keep your windscreen clean, both on the inside and outside and don’t forget the headlights.
• Avoid using dark or tinted glasses at night as these cut down the available light to the eyes.
• Stop and rest if you feel tired or drowsy, even a short break can be beneficial.
• Avoid smoking – it depletes the brain of oxygen and reduces alertness.
• Allow for reduction of night vision as you get older.
• Avoid bright lights inside the cabin at night.
• Ensure headlights are adjusted for load.
RULES OF BRAKING
Brake in plenty of time (i.e. early and gently, never savagely)
Brake firmly, only when travelling in a straight line.
Vary the brake pedal pressure according to the condition of the road surface.
When descending a steep winding hill, brake firmly on the straight stretches and ease off in the bends. Remember the value of engaging a low gear early in the descent.
NOTE: Rarely do brakes fail on heavy vehicles going downhill. Usually it is the driver that is at fault for not selecting a sufficiently low enough gear to maintain a safe constant speed for the descent requiring minimum, if any, use of the service brake. This can cause the brakes to overheat, which may result in brake failure or a fire.
REASONS WHY BRAKING FIRMLY SHOULD BE PERFORMED WITHIN A STRAIGHT LINE:
When the brakes are applied to a moving vehicle, the weight is thrown forward and downward onto the front wheels and the rear tends to lift. The resulting unequal distribution of weight makes steering heavier and reduces the general stability of the vehicle, especially at the rear wheels.
This stability rapidly decreases in a corner as a result of the centrifugal forces generated by the cornering vehicle.
|WEIGHT |
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SKIDDING
DEFINITION:
An involuntary movement of a vehicle due to the grip of the tyres on the road becoming less than the force or forces acting on the vehicle.
Or
A vehicle skids when one or more of the wheels slide instead of having pure rolling action.
CAUSES OF SKIDDING:
• Excessive speed for conditions
• Sudden or excessive braking
• Harsh or excessive acceleration
• A rapid change of direction; or
• A combination of all or any of the above
FACTORS THAT INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIDDING:
• Ice, snow, leaves oil or fuel on the road
• Water (aquaplaning), loose surface, corrugations or potholes
• Adverse camber, downhill slopes
• Bald or poorly inflated tyres
• Suspension faults, steering mechanism faults
• Painted lines and arrows, metal inspection plates, steel plates covering road works
• Panic
• Poor load distribution
• Brake adjustment/truck-trailer bias
REACTION AND BRAKING
REACTION
REACTION TIME:
Reaction time is the time between the moment the driver observes the need for action and actually starts to take that action.
REACTION DISTANCE:
Reaction distance is the distance travelled in the reaction time.
Reaction distance increases at the same rate as the speed of the vehicle increases.
To calculate reaction distance, multiply the reaction time (in seconds) by speed (in metres per second). REACTION DISTANCE = REACTION TIME x SPEED
(METRES) (SECONDS) (METRES/SECOND)
BRAKING
BRAKING DISTANCE:
The distance taken to stop the vehicle once the brakes have been applied. This can be influenced by factors such as downhill gradients, which may increase the distance, or uphill gradients which may reduce the braking distance. Also wet or slippery roads, uneven or unsealed roads will affect the distances.
The braking distance, being the distance taken to stop once the brakes have been applied, increases at a proportionally greater rate as the speed rises. As the speed doubles (X2) the braking distance increases by four times (X4). The reason for this is that the distance taken to stop is proportionate to the square of the speed so if the distance taken to stop from 30km/h is 5 metres, the distance taken from 60km/h will be 20 metres (twice the speed, four times the distance).
The braking distances of commercial vehicles can vary depending on the weight that is being carried. A lightly loaded vehicle can sometimes take a greater distance to stop as there is less weight or down force on the tyres to create the friction needed between tyre and road surface, and a fully loaded vehicle may also take further to stop, as the brakes have to deal with the greater weight.
Excessive use of the brakes can cause a build up of heat at the brakes leading to a loss of effectiveness and increased stopping distances so supplementary braking systems such as engine or exhaust brakes should be considered when descending steep hills.
HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF A RIGID VEHICLE:
A rigid vehicle, except an articulated or controlled access bus, must not exceed 12.5 metres in length (including any overhang).
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Illustration of:
• front projection limits; and
• rear overhang limit from vehicle standards; and
• maximum rear projection of load allowed without a warning signal.
COMBINATIONS
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF VEHICLES:
An articulated vehicle (semi-trailer) must not exceed 19 metres in length (including any overhang).
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
A B-DOUBLE MUST NOT EXCEED 25 METRES IN LENGTH
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However, the operation of B-Doubles up to 26 metres in length is allowed subject to:
• the combination must not be over 26 metres in length; and
• the distance between the point of articulation at the front of the lead semi trailer and the rear of the combination is not over 20.6 metres in length; and
• the prime mover of the combination is fitted with a complying Front Underrun Protective Device; and
• if the prime mover is manufactured after 31 December 2005 it is fitted with a complying protective cab; and
• the prime mover does not have a load carrying area.
A B-TRIPLE MUST NOT EXCEED 36.5 METRES IN LENGTH
A DOUBLE ROAD TRAIN MUST NOT EXCEED 36.5 METRES IN LENGTH
A TRIPLE ROAD TRAIN MUST NOT EXCEED 53.5 METRES IN LENGTH
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A LONG VEHICLE is any vehicle that, together with any load or projection, is 7.5 metres long or longer.
An ARTICULATED BUS is a bus consisting of more that one rigid section with passenger access between the sections and the sections connected to one another so as to allow rotary movement between the sections and must not exceed 18 metres in length.
A COMPLYING BUS is a bus with 2 or 3 axles and a single steer axle that is fitted with a compliance plate indicating that it was manufactured during or after July 1994 and meets the emergency exit specifications (ADR44); meets the rollover strength specifications (ADR59); meets the occupant protection specifications (ADR68) and is equipped with an approved air suspension system.
HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
MAXIMUM WIDTH OF VEHICLES:
The maximum width of a vehicle is 2.5 metres (including any load)
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REAR VISION MIRRORS:
A rear vision mirror fitted to a motor vehicle with a GVM over 3.5 tonnes must not project over 150 millimetres beyond the widest part (excluding lights, signalling devices and reflectors) of the vehicle or combination;
However, the rear vision mirror may project not over 230 millimetres beyond the widest part of the vehicle or combination if it can fold to project not over 150 millimetres beyond the widest part.
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HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF VEHICLES:
A VEHICLE MUST NOT EXCEED 4.3 METRES IN HEIGHT.
However:
• A vehicle built to carry cattle, sheep, pigs or horses must not exceed 4.6 metres in height.
• A car carrier must not exceed 4.6 metres in height when loaded.
• A double-deck bus must not exceed 4.4 metres in height.
CAR CARRIER
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REAR OVERHANG:
The distance measured at right angles between the rear overhang line of a trailer carrying vehicles on more than one deck and the rear of the rearmost vehicle on the trailer must not exceed 4.9 metres.
HEAVY VEHICLE DIMENSIONS (continued)
LOAD PROJECTION:
More than 1.2 metres
flag (day) or light (night)
Flag (day) or light (night)
REAR PROJECTION:
1. The rear of a load on a vehicle must carry a warning signal if the load:
• projects more than 1.2 metres behind the vehicle; or
• projects to the rear of the vehicle so that the end of the load cannot be seen easily from behind; or
• is on a pole-type trailer.
2. In daytime, the warning signal must be a brightly coloured flag or a piece of material, with each side at least 300 millimetres long.
3. In the night-time, the warning signal must be a red light which can be seen for 200 metres.
REAR MARKER REFLECTOR PLATES
All vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding 12 tonnes, and all trailers with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) exceeding 10 tonnes must be fitted with two retro-reflective rear marker plates.
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VARIOUS REFLECTOR TYPES
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DO NOT OVERTAKE TURNING VEHICLE signs may be displayed on long vehicles, (vehicles over 7.5 metres in length). If incorporated on the rear marker plate, must be displayed on the left side of the rear of the vehicle.
PORTABLE REFLECTORS (TRIANGLES)under 80kmp
A person must not drive a motor vehicle with a GVM over 12 tonnes unless the vehicle is equipped with at least 3 portable warning triangles.
If a driver stops on a road and the vehicle is not visible at any time for at least 200 metres in all directions from the vehicle, the driver must use at least 3 portable warning triangles positioned, as detailed below, to warn other road users of the vehicle.
If some or all of any load being carried by the vehicle falls onto a road and is not clearly visible at any time for at least 200 metres in all directions from the fallen load, the driver must use at least 3 portable warning triangles positioned, as detailed below, to warn other road users of the fallen load.
The requirement for positioning the triangles is:
• 1 triangle positioned at least 50 metres, but not over 150 metres, in front of the vehicle or fallen load; and
• 1 triangle positioned at least 50 metres, but not over 150 metres, behind the vehicle or fallen load; and
• 1 triangle positioned at the side of the vehicle, or fallen load that gives sufficient warning to other road users of the position of the vehicle or fallen load.
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TRAILERS
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MAXIMUM AXLE WEIGHTS
AXLE WEIGHTS LIMITS FOR TRUCKS IN GENERAL USE:
On each steer axle there are two tyres, and on all others axles there are four
(excluding “super singles”).
Front steering axles:
Any single axle fitted with two tyres 6.0 tonnes
• A single axle fitted with two tyres on a Complying Bus 6.5 tonnes
• Any single axle fitted with two “wide” tyres 6.7 tonnes
• Any twin steer (two axle) group without “load sharing suspension” 10.0 tonnes
• Any twin steer (two axle) group with a “load sharing suspension” 11.0 tonnes
Other axles:
• Any single axle fitted with four tyres 9.0 tonnes
• Any single axle fitted with four tyres on a Complying Bus 10.0 tonnes
• Any Tandem axle group fitted with four tyres 11.0 tonnes
• Any Tandem axle group fitted with four “wide” tyres 13.3 tonnes
• Any Tandem axle group fitted with eight tyres 16.5 tonnes
• Any Tandem axle group fitted with single tyres on one axle
and dual tyres on the other axle 13.0 tonnes
• On a Complying Bus 14.0 tonnes
• Any Tri-axle group fitted with twelve tyres 20.0 tonnes
• Any Tri-axle group fitted with six “wide” tyres 20.0 tonnes
• Any variation to a Tri-axle 15.0 tonnes
PIG TRAILERS:
• Any Tandem axle fitted with eight tyres 15.0 tonnes
• Any Tri-axle fitted with twelve tyres 18.0 tonnes
• Any Tri-axle fitted with six “wide’ tyres 18.0 tonnes
PERMITS
INTRODUCTION
The Road Traffic Act 1961 specifies maximum limits for the height, width, length and mass of vehicles which may travel on public roads in South Australia. These limits are necessary to promote the free flow of traffic, to prevent damage to the community’s substantial investment in the road system and to ensure a reasonable level of safety for road users.
Classes of heavy vehicles
In relation to access to the road network, the two key types of heavy vehicles are General Access Vehicles and Restricted Access Vehicles.
General Access Vehicle
General Access Vehicles (GAV) comply with mass and dimension requirements and do not require a notice or permit to operate on the road network. These vehicles have general access to the road network unless the road is sign-posted otherwise.
Restricted Access Vehicle
Restricted Access Vehicles (RAV) include Class 1, 2 or 3 vehicles that operate under a notice or permit and vehicles operating under higher mass limits (HML) that can generally only access certain parts of the road network (a vehicle that is not a GAV).
Gazetted Notice
Heavy vehicle Gazetted Notice is an exemption, authority or declaration made under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), or previous State or Territory law, that either modifies the legislative requirements for heavy vehicle operation or grants them access under a specified network.
A gazetted network does not require a permit to operate and can be a reference to a stated map or stated list. Road managers can request amending networks specified in a gazettal. The process for updating the maps or lists are entirely managed by the NHVR, once a valid request has been received.
AUTHORITY TO ISSUE EXEMPTION
In accordance with the Road Traffic Act Amendment Act of 1986 and Section 163aa of the Road Traffic Act, the power to exempt from the requirements of the Road Traffic Act is vested in the Minister of Transport.
Exemptions for road travel outside the statutory limits outlined are provided under the power of Exemption, Section 163aa of the Road Traffic Act. The Minister has delegated this Power of Exemption to Officers of the Department of Transport to issue exemptions subject to consideration of the following principles:
• the economic benefits of the permit operation;
• the need to protect the state’s road and bridge assets from structural damage;
• the preservation of safety and convenience of all road users in the community;
• the ability of the vehicle to carry the load;
• acceptable environmental impacts; and
• equity to all sectors and individual operators of the transport industry.
There are two ways of issuing an exemption:
1. By Permit
Exemption by “Permit” means that the written authority is prepared and issued to exempt a specific vehicle to carry a specific load in excess of the statutory dimension and/or mass limits.
This written authority is known as a “permit” and details all the terms and conditions under which the exemption will apply. The permit must be carried in the vehicle when operating subject to the exemption so the driver is fully aware of all the terms, conditions and restrictions specified.
PERMITS (continued)
2. By Government Gazette Notice
Exemption by Government Gazette Notice means that a general approval is granted for specific vehicle classes or specific commodities to be exempt from a clause or clauses of a statutory dimension and/or mass limits. The notice details all the terms and conditions under which the exemption shall apply, i.e. some notices are required to be carried for the same reasons that the permit must be carried.
PERMIT APPLICATION
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator now processes all heavy vehicle access permits for travel within South Australia.
About the NHVR
The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is Australia’s regulator for all heavy vehicles.
We were established in 2013 as an statutory authority pursuant to the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
Our vision is to have: A safe, efficient and productive heavy vehicle industry serving the needs of Australia.
NHVR aim to achieve this by:
• minimising the compliance burden
• reducing duplication of and inconsistencies in heavy vehicle regulation across state and territory borders
• providing leadership and driving sustainable improvement to safety, productivity and efficiency outcomes.
NHVR are headquartered in Brisbane and currently employ people across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne. NHVR have a direct regulatory relationship with more than:
• 40,000 road freight businesses
• 900,000 vehicles
• 500 road managers
• 1,000 authorised officers.
Some state road transport authorities and other government agencies deliver various frontline services on the NHVR behalf.
What is the NHVR Portal and what does it do?
Answer:
The NHVR Portal is an online system that has been developed to make transacting with the NHVR faster, simpler and more accurate. The NHVR Portal replaced the paper-based permit application process, and provides a range of features to make applying for a heavy vehicle permit simpler.
With the NHVR Portal you can:
• complete, pay for and submit your application online
• store and reuse information (Customer Details, Vehicle Information etc)
• copy a previous application making it faster to apply for renewals or amendments
• view your application history including the associated payments
• track the progress of your applications
• grant users various levels of access to your account
• make payments simply using your credit card.
ASSESSMENT OF THE PERMIT APPLICATION
Over-dimensional loads require consideration of the width and alignment of the roads and intersections, traffic conditions, and the proximity of roadside and overhead obstacles. Clearly these conditions vary widely throughout the State, and therefore so will the conditions imposed on permit travel. For example, transportable classrooms may be moved on relatively open country roads, but would not physically fit along roads in the Adelaide Hills or in some suburban streets.
For excess mass loads, the strength of bridges and culverts must be assessed. Many of the State’s bridges were built at a time when design loads were considerably less than those presently in force. Road pavements and bridges and other structures do not have an indefinite life and are subject to gradual deterioration. Allowable loadings are therefore continually reviewed and may alter from time to time on a given route.
The assessment process therefore requires consideration of many factors and it may be necessary to evaluate a number of alterative routes. It should not be assumed that a permit will be assessed only on the information provided with the application, or that permit issued consists merely of producing the permit document. The production and ‘issue’ of the permit is the end result of the assessment process.
ISSUE OF PERMIT
Operators and drivers of oversize and/or overmass heavy vehicles must comply with the specified notice(s) available from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator's (NHVR) website.
If your operating requirements cannot be met through a Notice, you will need to apply to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) for an oversize and overmass heavy vehicle permit.
PERMITS (continued)
INSPECTION OF PERMIT VEHICLES AND LOADS
Permit operations may stretch the capacity of the road system to the limits. Therefore to ensure safe vehicle operating conditions and to protect the road and bridge system, inspection and weighing of permit vehicles and loads may be undertaken.
Depending on the circumstances, inspections and weighing may be undertaken during the assessment process prior to the issue of a permit, at the commencement of a permit move, or during the permit operation.
These inspections and weighing are supplementary to any mandatory inspection required elsewhere or in the course of normal on-road enforcement.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All permits are issued subject to general conditions which are printed on the back of the permit document.
1. Acceptance of the permit by the permittee shall be deemed to be acceptance of this and all the conditions of the permit.
2. The permit shall be carried by the driver of the vehicle at all times and be produced when requested by an Inspector appointed under the Act, or a Police Officer.
3. The permit may be cancelled or revoked at any time.
4. The permit is issued on the express conditions that the limitations specified shall not be exceeded.
5. The exemption shall operate only with respect to the vehicle, loads, routes and time specified, and does not relieve the owner and/or driver of the duty to observe all the other provisions of the Road Traffic Act and Regulations.
6. The exemption shall not operate or be deemed to operate on routes that are newly formed, constructed or repaired or have been damaged by floods, submergence, subsidence or otherwise and/or to which special limitations have been applied.
7. The exemption shall not operate or be deemed to operate on any bridge, culvert, causeway or road ferry in respect of which a special limitation may have been fixed at any time before or after the date of the permit.
8. The permit is issued subject to the condition that if in the course of the operation of the vehicle pursuant to the permit any damage is caused to the road or property owned or maintained by the Commissioner of Highways, by the said vehicle, its owner, driver or escort then in such an event the permittee hereby authorises and requests the Commissioner of Highways, to repair and make good such damage and agrees to pay the cost thereof as a debt due to the Commissioner of Highways for materials supplied and work done within 14 days of the service upon him of a letter setting out the cost of such repairs and materials.
PERMITS GENERAL CONDITIONS (continued)
9. No warranty is given that the road specified on the permit, or the bridge, culverts or causeways thereon are capable of carrying the vehicle or loading stated and it shall be a condition of this permit that any journey shall be made at the permittee’s own risk absolutely.
WARNING SIGNS FOR COMBINATIONS OVER 22 METRES LONG
1. The following vehicles must display road train warning signs complying with this section and also the items specified under the heading “Specifications for warning signs”:
a) a combination over 36.5 metres long
b) a road train over 30 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, that includes 1 or more dog trailers.
2. The following vehicles must display road train warning signs, or a long vehicle warning sign, complying with this section and also the items specified under the heading “Specifications for warning signs”:
a) a road train over 22metres, but not over 30 metres long, that includes 1 or more dog trailers;
b) a road train over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, that does not include a dog trailer.
3. Another combination over 22 metres, but not over 36.5 metres long, must display a long vehicle warning sign complying with item 5 “Specifications for warning signs”.
4. Road Train warning signs must be used in pairs and fitted horizontally, one at the front and the other at the rear of the combination.
5. A long vehicle warning sign must be fitted horizontally at the rear of the combination.
WARNING SIGNS NOT TO BE DISPLAYED ON A VEHICLE
A road train or long vehicle warning signs not to be displayed on a vehicle unless the vehicle is part of a combination or road train mentioned in items 1, 2 and 3 on the previous page. Both signs must be covered when not part of the combination.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR WARNING SIGNS
1. A road train or long vehicle warning sign must be manufactured in 1 or 2 parts from sheet steel 0.8 millimetres thick or another material of at least the same stiffness, unless it is designed to be fixed to the vehicle using an adhesive.
2. The warning sign must be at least 1.02 metres wide and at least 250 millimetres high.
SPECIFICATIONS FOR WARNING SIGNS (continued)
3. A road train warning sign must display the words “road train”, and a long vehicle warning sign must display the words “long vehicle’, in black capital letters at least 180 millimetres high in typeface Series B (N) that complies with the Australian Standards AS 1744 Forms of Letters and Numerals for Road Signs.
4. If the warning sign is in two parts, one word of the expression ”road train” or “long vehicle” must be on one part and the other word of expression must be on the other part.
5. The warning sign must display the sign manufacture’s name or logo, and the brand and class of the retro-reflective material used, in block letters not over 10 millimetres high.
6. The warning sign must have a black border
7. The warning sign must be coated with yellow retro- reflective material of class 1 and 2 that meet Australian Standard AS 1906 Reto-reflective Materials and devices for Road Traffic Control Purposes.
THE WARNING SIGN MUST BE FITTED SO:
a) No part of the sign is:
I) Over 1.8 metres above ground level; or
II) Under 500 millimetres above ground level; and
b) If the sign is in 2 parts — the parts are fitted at the same height above ground level.
ABS BRAKING SYSTEM
Anti-Lock Braking Systems are required to be fitted to all A B Double Combination vehicles in South Australia.
Trailers involved in general freight do not require ABS Braking to be fitted.
B-DOUBLE VEHICLES
DIMENSION LIMITS
Medium Combination Vehicles shall comply with the following dimensional requirements:
• Maximum width 2.5 metres
• Maximum Length 25.0 metres
23.0 metres applies to some designated routes
• Maximum Heights 4.3 metres general freight
4.6 metres for the transport of motor vehicles and livestock
TRANSPORT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
The following conditions apply
a) This concession only applies to B-Double, Stringer Car Carriers, Road Train, and
b) The load consists solely of motor vehicles, and
c) The height of the vehicle including motor vehicles carried on the vehicle does not exceed 4.6 metres, and
d) The vehicle is constructed as a multiple deck vehicle transporter and does not exceed a constructed height of 4.3 metres, and
e) No vehicles are loaded on the upper deck unless each deck below is fully loaded.
The provisions of section 142 of the Act (maximum height of 4.3) will apply if any goods other than motor vehicles are carried.
TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK
For the purpose of this concession “livestock” means live animals commonly known as cattle, pigs, sheep and goats.
The following conditions apply:
a) This concession only applies to B-Doubles and Road Trains built for the purpose of transporting livestock.
b) Vehicles carrying livestock:
1. The height of the vehicle and load does not exceed 4.6 metres, and
2. The load consists solely of livestock, and
TRANSPORT OF LIVESTOCK (continued)
3. The prime mover has a tandem axle group towards the rear, and
4. One of the semi-trailers has a tri axle group toward the rear and the other a tandem or tri axle group toward the rear, and
5. No animals are loaded on the upper deck unless each deck below is fully loaded, and
If any deck on the vehicle is not fully loaded, the animals must be confined in a full width compartment which is fully loaded.
Or
c) Vehicles travelling unladen:
1. The height of the vehicle does not exceed 4.6 metres, and
2. No load is carried.
Or
d) Vehicles designed to carry livestock and are carrying freight other than livestock:
1. The height of the vehicle does not exceed 4.6 metres
2. Where the load consists of freight other than livestock, the load height does not exceed 4.3 metres, and
3. One of the semi- trailers has a tri axle group towards the rear.
TRANSPORT OF BALED WOOL
Baled wool may be carried subject to the following conditions:
1. The baled wool shall not be loaded more than four layers high.
2. The maximum overall vehicle height including the baled wool shall not exceed 4.6 metres.
3. The overall width of all axles or axle groups of the vehicle carrying the load, excluding the front axle or axle group, when measured between two vertical parallel planes located at the outer extremities of the tyres, shall not be less than 2.1 metres.
4. Baled wool carried on the vehicle shall be secured in accordance with the guidelines detailed in the ‘Load Restraint Guide’ published by the Federal Office of Road Safety and the national Road Transport Commission.
Hauliers operating under the provisions of this notice should be aware that some bridges, signs, overhead wires, trees and signals may not provide sufficient clearance for the passage of 4.6 metre high vehicles.
OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
B-DOUBLES
a) B-Doubles can operate up to 62.5 tonnes Gross Combination Mass subject to compliance with all other requirements.
b) The gross combination mass rating for a B-Double operating under this scheme (Comment: which scheme is this?) shall be 59 tonnes or greater.
c) B-Doubles shall not exceed a speed of 100km/h or any posted speed limit whichever is the lesser.
STRINGER CAR CARRIERS
a) Stinger Car Carriers can operate up to 42.5 tonnes gross combination mass subject to compliance with all other requirements.
b) Stinger Car Carriers shall not exceed a speed of 100km/h or any posted speed limit whichever is the lesser.
RIGID TRUCK AND DOG TRAILERS
a) Rigid truck and dog trailer combinations can operate up to 59.0 tonnes gross combination mass subject to compliance with all other requirements.
b) Rigid truck and dog trailer combinations shall not exceed 100Kp/h or any posted speed limit whichever is the lesser.
INSPECTION AND LABELLING
All vehicles shall have successfully completed a specification and roadworthy examination in accordance with all relevant requirements of the B-Double Specification and Inspection Manual and in the case of Road Train, the Road Train Specification and Inspection Manual.
To signify approval to operate under this scheme all vehicles shall display the appropriate inspection label applicable to the configuration whereby the current month and year has not passed the month and year punched out on the inspection label.
The label shall be maintained in a clean and legible condition at all times for sighting upon request by a Police Officer or an inspector appointed under the Road Traffic Act.
INSPECTION AND LABELLING (continued)
Please note that TruckSafe will not be recognised as a maintenance management scheme by Transport SA as of 8 July 2004. Accordingly, any vehicles displaying only TruckSafe labels will no longer be able to access regulatory concessions, for which NHVAS (National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme) maintenance management membership is now required.
Other States and Territories may not recognise TruckSafe as a maintenance management scheme as of 1 July 2004 and therefore operators travelling interstate are advised to check with relevant State and Territory Road Transport Agencies to determine if TruckSafe labels enable operators to access regulatory concessions.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Entry into or exit from private property or depot driveway is permitted in accordance with the diagrams shown under the heading “Driveway/Depot Entry Exit Rules” recorded in the document titled “Operation of Medium Combination Vehicles in South Australia".
Where turning manoeuvres into or out of depots cannot be undertaken safely, the driver shall not use the driveway or depot entrance until such time as the entrances have been made suitable for medium combination vehicles.
Medium Combination Vehicles must be driven forwards when entering or exiting roadways and depots (No Reversing).
ROAD TRAIN VEHICLES
DIMENSION LIMITS
Road Train Vehicles shall comply with the following dimensional requirements:
• Maximum width 2.5 metres
• Maximum length
➢ Short double Road Train 32.0 metres
➢ Double Road Train 36.5 metres
➢ Triple Road Train 53.5 metres
SEMI-TRAILER INTERNAL DIMENSIONS
• The distance from the point of articulation
(king pin) to the rear end of the semi-trailer
shall not exceed 12.3 metres
• The distance from the point of articulation
(king pin) of the semi-trailer to the line from
which the rear overhang is measured
(centre of the axle group) shall not exceed 9.5 metres
• The forward projection from the point of
articulation (king pin) of the semi-trailer unit
shall be continued within a radius of 1.9 metres
LENGTH OF DRAWBAR
The length of the drawbar shall be greater than 3.0 metres but less than 5.0 metres.
REAR OVERHANG
a) Except as provided in sub-section (b) of this section, the rear overhang of any motor vehicle, trailer or combination shall not exceed 3.2 metres
b) The rear overhang of a rigid motor vehicle having a length greater than 9.5 metres shall not exceed 3.7 metres.
REAR OVERHANG (continued)
c) Further to sub-section (a) of this section, the rear overhang of a rigid motor vehicle or trailer with a trailer with a single or tandem axle group at the front shall not exceed 60 percent of the distance from the centreline of the front axle or axle group to the line from which the rear overhang is measured.
d) Further to sub-section (a) of this section, the rear overhang of a seme-trailer shall not exceed 50 percent of the distance from the line from which the rear overhang of the prime mover is measured to the line from which the rear overhang of the semi-trailer is measured.
TOW COUPLING OVERHANG
The tow coupling shall not exceed:
a) In the case of a trailer, 30 percent of the distance from the centre of the front axle or axle group to the line from which the rear overhang is measured;
b) In the case of a semi-trailer, 30 percent of the distance from the point of articulation to the line from which the rear overhang is measured; or
c) In the case of a rigid motor vehicle, 30 percent of the distance from the centre of the front axle to the line from which the rear overhang is measured
LOCATION OF TOWING POINT
Except on a rigid motor vehicle, the horizontal distance from the rearmost point of a vehicle, trailer or semi-trailer to the towing pivot shall not exceed 300 mm.
DRAWBAR ANGLE
The tow coupling mounting position and draw bar configuration shall be such that the longitudinal axis of the drawbar, or in the case of a hinged drawbar that portion between the tow coupling and the hinge, is within (5) degrees of horizontal when the assembled laden Road Train is standing on a level surface.
COMPARATIVE LENGTH OF TRAILERS
All trailers used in a Road Train shall be of approximately the same length and trailers differing in length by more than 3.0 metres shall not be used in the same Road Train.
VEHICLE MASS
Maximum Gross Combination Mass for:
Double Road Trains 79.0 tonnes
Triple Road Trains 115.5 tonnes
OPERATING REQUIREMENTS OF A ROAD TRAIN
TRACKING
All units incorporated in a Road Train travelling on a level, smooth surface shall track in the path of the hauling unit without shifting or swerving more than 100mm either side of the path of the hauling unit when travelling in a straight line.
SPEED
Speed restrictions that apply in several South Australian towns are now published to the relevant networks on RAVnet.
SPEED RESTRICTIONS
Road Trains shall not exceed a maximum speed of:
a) 40 Km/h within the 60Km/h zone posted in Port Augusta.
b) 40 Km/h when travelling through the township of Peterborough.
c) 40 Km/h within the 60Km/h zone posted in Whyalla
FOR TRAVEL ON APPROVED ROUTE
a) All South Australian and Victorian registered vehicle units in a Road Train (prime movers, converter dollies and semi-trailers) shall be inspected and display a current inspection label as detailed in the document ‘Operation of Road Train Vehicles in South Australia’, Edition 1, issued by Transport SA, or be under a Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that identifies scheme membership.
b) Vehicles registered in New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory are not required to display South Australian labels or undergo inspections which are additional to those required in their home states.
c) Vehicles registered in the Northern Territory are required to display either South Australian inspection labels or Northern Territory Inspection and rating labels or be accredited under a Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that identifies scheme membership.
VEHICLE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT ACCREDITATION
a) All vehicle units in a Double Road Train (prime movers, converter dollies and semi-trailers) are required to be accredited under a Maintenance Management Scheme and display a label that identifies scheme membership.
RAVnet
What is RAVnet and what information does it provide?
RAVnet is an interactive online map system that displays approved heavy vehicle route networks in South Australia. Restrictions associated with specific route networks are also included. Operators will also have the ability to display state maintained roads.
This interactive tool allows you to choose heavy vehicle route networks to view on screen or print.
Do I have to use the RAVnet system to print route maps to carry in the vehicle?
As from 17th June 2011 transport operators/drivers of Restricted Access Vehicles are no longer legally required to carry approved route maps (or Codes of Practice) within the vehicle.
Note: Permits must still be carried in the vehicle.
I don’t know how to use RAVnet. How can I learn?
To help you learn how to use RAVnet, we have provided a short video presentation that describes the RAVnet system and its features. Should you have further questions on how to use the system, please send an email to dpti.roadfreightnetworks@.au detailing your support question and providing your contact details.
What are my responsibilities as an owner/driver/operator where route maps are concerned?
When operating under a RAV Notice you must immediately prior to any journey and using the current approved route networks published on RAVnet, determine the entire approved route being travelled / operated on during the particular journey.
What are the benefits of RAVnet?
Using RAVnet you are able to easily obtain maps via the internet. Using the zoom and drag features included you are able to view and print maps at the level of detail and covering the area you need. Lists of any restrictions appearing on the route map will be automatically included when you print the map and maps can be printed in colour. Finally, the RAVnet system will continue to be enhanced to include further information that will be useful to transport industry.
What happens if a route I need is not on RAVnet?
Should a route not appear on the approved route networks within RAVnet then you may be able to obtain access either by applying for an access permit from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.
TRANSPORT OF INDIVISIBLE ITEMS
For the purpose of this exemption an ‘Indivisible Item’ shall be an item which cannot without disproportionate effort, expense or risk of damage, be divided into two or more items for road transport.
South Australia Class 1 Transport of Indivisible Items and Agricultural Vehicles Dimension Exemption Notice (No.1)
Purpose
This Notice provides access for heavy vehicle combinations carrying indivisible items including agricultural vehicles which exceed regulation dimensions to travel on roads in South Australia subject to the conditions specified in this Notice
The following vehicles are eligible to operate under the notice:
• prime mover and semi-trailer combination that exceeds 4.3m in height and/or 2.5m in width and/or 19m in overall length; or
• truck that exceeds 4.3m in height and/or 2.5m in width; or
• truck towing one trailer that exceeds 4.3m in height and/or 2.5m in width.
Operator Compliance Responsibility
While the new Notice is not required to be carried under the HVNL, operators are encouraged to read and become familiar with the document as it is a legal requirement to comply with the conditions when operating under the Notice.
Piloting requirements,Night travel for eligible vehicles,Route and structure restrictions and
Approved Areas or Routes’ information can be veiwed at .
ROUTE RESTRICTIONS
• Road Trains are not permitted to assemble disassemble along the route, or enter or exit depots, roadways parking bays service stations or otherwise deviate from the route unless allowed in the RAVnet system or under individually issued permit.
• Road Trains may only turn left to stop in parking bays showing a ‘Truck Parking Area’ sign for rest purposes or vehicle checks but not for assembly or disassembly purposes. The sign shall comply with Australian Standard AS 1742.6 service symbol sign S13. The signs displays a white ‘P’ and symbolic articulated vehicle on a blue background.
DEFINITIONS
A HEAVY TRUCK IS:
• A motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) with a GVM over 12 tonnes; or
• A motor vehicle (except a bus or tram) forming part of a combination if the total GVM of the combination is over 12 tonnes.
A COMMERCIAL BUS IS:
• A motor vehicle built mainly to carry people that will seat over 12 adults (including the driver).
ARTICULATED BUS
• A bus with at least 2 rigid sections that allow passengers access between the sections and are connected to allow rotary movement between the sections.
CONTROLLED ACCESS BUS
• A bus, except an articulated bus, over 12.5 metres long.
COMPLYING BUS
• A bus with two or three axles and a single steer axle that:
a) is not fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 of the Commonwealth, as in force from time to time; or
b) is fitted with a compliance plate in accordance with the Act but the compliance indicates that the bus was manufactured before 1 July 1994.
• The Registrar of Motor Vehicles may declare that a bus equipped with an approved air suspension system is a complying bus for these regulations if the Registrar is satisfied the bus meets:
a) the emergency exit specifications in ADR 44; and
b) the rollover strength specifications in ADR 59; and
c) the occupant protection specifications ADR 68.
DEFINITIONS (continued)
CONVERTER DOLLY
A “converter dolly” means a trailer with one tandem axle group or single axle and a fifth wheel coupling designed to convert a semi-trailer into a dog trailer.
[pic]
Typical converter dolly
DOG TRAILER
A “dog trailer” means a trailer (including a trailer consisting of a semi-trailer and a converter dolly) with:
a) one axle group or single axle at the front that is steered by connection to the towing vehicle by a drawbar; and
b) one axle group or single axle at the rear.
[pic]
Typical dog trailer
DRIVER’S BASE
The driver’s base is the reference point for the 100km radius and is the place from which the driver normally works and receives instruction. If no address is written on the Driver base and record storage page, the Driver’s Base will be taken as the garaged address of the vehicle.
“TWO-UP DRIVING ARRANGEMENTS” means an arrangement under which 2 drivers share the driving of:
• A heavy vehicle with a sleeper berth complying with ADR 42; or
• A commercial bus with an approved sleeper berth.
DEFINITIONS (continued)
TWO-UP DRIVING
Two-up driving is the time spent by a two-up driver driving a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle. A driver is a two-up driver if:
• He or she shares with another person the driving of a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; and
• He or she travels as a passenger on a commercial bus or the heavy vehicle while another person is driving the commercial bus or a heavy truck.
WORKING
Working is the time spent driving a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle and is counted in 15 minute intervals from the time zone of the driver’s base. Work is always rounded upwards – for example, a period less than 15 minutes is counted as 15 minutes and a period of between 15 and 30 minutes is counted as 30 minutes. It includes:
• Loading, unloading or queuing in a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; or
• Inspecting, servicing or repairing a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle, inspecting or attending to the load (other than passengers) on a commercial bus or heavy vehicle, or attending to passengers on a commercial bus; or
• Cleaning or refuelling a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; or
• Performing marketing tasks in relation to the operation of a commercial bus or a heavy vehicle; or
• Helping with, or supervising, an activity mentioned above; or
• Recording information or completing a document in accordance with the regulations or in relation to the operation of a commercial bus or heavy vehicle.
REST
Rest is a continuous period of time of at least 15 minutes where a driver is not working. Rest is always rounded downwards – for example, a period less than 15 minutes does not count towards rest while a period of between 15 and 30 minutes is counted as 15 minutes rest.
• Rest periods of 5 hours or more must be taken away from the commercial bus or heavy vehicle unless the commercial bus or heavy vehicle is fitted with an approved sleeper berth (two-up driving).
• Stationary rest periods must be taken away from the commercial bus or heavy vehicle or in an approved sleeper berth of a stationary regulated vehicle.
• Under standard hours solo driving, a 30 minute rest break can be taken as 2x15 minute rest breaks, but 7 hour and 24 hour rest breaks must be taken as a continuous rest break.
TIME ZONE
Under Standard Hours, your driver base or registered address of the vehicle is the time zone in which you work under for the entire trip.
THE NATIONAL DRIVER WORK DIARY
INTRODUCTION
On the 29th September 2008, nationally consistent laws were introduced into South Australia to regulate the hours that a driver of heavy trucks and commercial buses can spend working and resting, and the records that must be kept.
These new laws promote positive fatigue management systems to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. They apply to everyone in the supply chain – not just drivers - to ensure safe driving practices. It is an offence for an employer or consignor to roster, or require a driver to carry out duties that could cause the driver to commit a driving hours or speeding offence.
A Work Diary is required to be carried and completed by drivers of heavy truck and commercial bus if they are on a journey that will take them outside a radius of 100kms from the driver’s base. Refer to page 32 for the definitions of heavy truck and commercial bus.
OBTAINING A WORK DIARY
A driver who wishes to be issued with a work diary (including a replacement work diary) must apply in person using the application form provided.
If the application is for the replacement of an existing work diary, the driver must return the existing work diary with the application, unless that work diary has been destroyed, lost or stolen. Any unused pages in the existing work diary must be cancelled on the issue of a new work diary.
If the existing work diary has been destroyed, lost or stolen the driver must outline the circumstances of the destruction, loss or theft in writing to the relevant road authority within 2 business days. The driver has a maximum of 7 business days before he or she must get a new work diary.
A driver is required to show his/her current driver’s licence and pay an appropriate fee for a work diary and must not have in his/her possession more than one work diary in which information can be recorded on a daily sheet.
Work diaries may be obtained from all Service SA Customer Service Centres and at some Police Stations.
DRIVERS DAILY SHEET
[pic]
• The work diary must be used and carried at all times if the driver is working.
• Drivers must always keep a work diary in their vehicle that contains current records of work and rest time within the last 28 day period.
• Drivers must record all the required information (as specified in the work diary instructions) in their work diary on a daily basis.
• Drivers must continue to record the information until their next major rest break (5 hours continuous rest or more)
[pic]
DRIVING RECORDS AND WORK DIARIES
Under the Standard Hours option a driver must take 4 nights rest including one pair of consecutive nights rest in any 14 day period. For example, in a 14 day period, a driver would be able to work up to 6 night shifts (between the hours of midnight to 6am) in 1 week and 4 night shifts the following week.
HOURS OF DRIVING
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DRIVING RECORDS AND WORK DIARIES (continued)
DRIVING RECORDS TO BE KEPT
Your Base location and / or vehicle Garaged Address is the nominated Time zone.
When driving a regulated vehicle the driver must keep in the vehicle a Work Diary (WD) containing info for last 28 days including:
• Record location;
• Day of the week and date;
• Name;
• Licence number/jurisdiction; state of issue
• Type of hours – Standard, BFM or AFM;
• Nature of rest/period/time/place of rest change; plus more.
• If a driver has nearly filled up his or her work diary, a new one can be obtained by applying in person to the relevant road authority. The road authority will cancel the unused pages. If a work diary is lost, stolen, destroyed – or filled up before the driver can get a new work diary – he or she must report this in writing to the relevant road authority within 2 business days. The driver has a maximum of 7 business days before he or she must get a new work diary.
• Until the driver is issued with a new work diary, he or she must continue to record all work and rest time in a supplementary record. This record must contain the same information that would be required in his or her work diary.
• A work diary must contain a record of the driver’s work/rest history as required under the legislation.
• The written work diary contains similar information to the existing logbook and is issued by a road authority.
• Drivers must complete daily sheets to record their work/rest history.
• Employers will be obliged to request and actively pursue the provision of copies of drivers’ work diaries.
• Drivers must record the required information on a separate daily sheet in a current work diary.
• Ensure adequate pressure is applied to ensure a readable record of the driver’s information appears on duplicate sheets.
• Each page in the written work diary has three copies. The driver must give the first copy (marked record keeper) to the person he or she is currently working for as soon as possible or within 21 days of the date recorded on the daily sheet.
• The record keeper must keep copies of the work diary sheets for 3 years.
• Employers, prime contractors, operators and schedulers need to ensure driver compliance with record keeping requirements;
• False work records – Penalty up to $10,000 court imposed; and
• Electronic Work Diaries accepted.
Driving records made by employed drivers—non-local work
An employed driver must give a copy of the driver’s driving record for non-local work for each day’s activity to the driver’s employer (or, if the driver has two or more employers on the same day, a copy of the records must be sent to each employer).
a) Within 21 days after that day.
Driving records for non-local area work to be kept
1) An employer must keep the copy of a driver’s driving records given to the employer for the driver’s non-local area work for each day’s activity for 3 years after that day at a place where the employer manages the employment of the driver.
2) A self-employed driver must keep the driver’s driving records for non-local area work for each day’s activity for 3 years after that day at the driver’s base.
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Local area records to be kept
1) An employer must keep local area management records made in relation to the driver for each day’s activity for 3 years after that day at the place where the employer manages the employment of the driver.
2) A self-employed driver must keep the driver’s local area management records for each day’s activity for 3 years after that day at the driver’s base.
HIGHER MASS LIMITS FOR VEHICLES
FITTED WITH ROAD FRIENDLY
SUSPENSION
Higher Mass Limits (HML) allows particular heavy vehicles to access additional mass entitlements providing:
• Operators of vehicles or combinations running HML on tri-axle groups are accredited under the Mass Management Module of the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS), with an accreditation label fitted to the hauling unit
• Vehicles are fitted with certified road friendly suspension
• Vehicles are on an authorised HML route.
Road friendly suspension
To be eligible for HML, vehicles must be fitted with certified road friendly suspensions.
Road friendly suspension systems reduce the impact of laden axles on road pavements and most bridge structures.
Higher mass limits set out under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL)
Below are standard axle mass limit increases for vehicles fitted with certified road friendly suspensions. Before operating under HML, it is strongly recommended that you check the HML transition notice relevant to the jurisdiction/s you will be operating in to ensure that you conform to potential minor variations from the national policy.
Maximum mass per axle group
|Type of axle group |Maximum mass (tonnes) permitted |Maximum mass (tonnes) permitted under HML |
| |under GML | |
|Tandem axle group |16.5t |17t |
|Tri-axle group |20t |22.5t |
|Single drive axles on buses |9t |10t |
|Six-tyred tandem axle groups |13t |14t |
5.
DRIVING DOWN HILLS
AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULE 108
Because of the gradient and length of some descents, truck and bus drivers must limit their speed to avoid brake fade/loss and to maintain control of their vehicle.
Australian Road Rule 108 states that when you are driving a truck or a bus on a road with the sign “trucks and buses must use low gear”, you must drive in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed of your vehicle without using the primary (foot) brake. Heavy penalties apply for breaching Australian Road Rule 108.
Look out for the warning signs that alert you to steep descents such as on the South Eastern Freeway approaching Adelaide.
[pic]
As soon as you see the ‘trucks & buses must use low gear’ sign, you must start slowing down and switching to a low gear. This means you will be using the right gear before starting to descend, and will not need to use the primary brake when driving down the hill.
Australian Road Rule 108 applies despite other signed speed limits for the descent. You should always drive down hills at a safe speed appropriate for your vehicle and load. This may be below the signed speed limit for the descent
From 1 May 2019, increased penalties will apply to drivers of all trucks and buses who are detected driving unsafely on the down-track of the South Eastern Freeway.
This applies to owners and operators of trucks with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 4.5 tonnes and buses built to carry more than 12 adults including the driver.
An expiation fee of $1,036 plus six demerit points and six months loss of licence will apply to drivers of these vehicles for:
· Exceeding the relevant speed limit by 10km/h or more; or
· Failing to use a gear low enough to limit vehicle speed without the use of a primary brake.
Subsequent offences and drivers convicted by the Court will face even heavier penalties.
The body corporate levy, applicable to businesses who fail to nominate the driver responsible for a camera-detected speeding offence, will also increase from $300 to $25,000.
You are encouraged to distribute this information throughout your networks.
Note: Under the Australian Road Rules, a motor vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of more than 4.5 tonnes is classified as a Truck regardless of the body type of the vehicle (excluding tractors, trams and buses). A motor vehicle built to carry more than 12 adults including the driver is classified as a Bus.
Arrester beds
The main stopping force in an arrester bed is the drag caused as the vehicle sinks gently into a bed of gravel.
The effect on the driver is actually less than emergency braking, so the stopping force of the gravel should not result in injury to the driver and it is unlikely to cause damage to the vehicle
Drivers of heavy vehicles experience brake failure or related mechanical issues must enter an arrester bed at the earliest opportunity.
There are two fully signed arrester beds on the left side of the Princes Highway between Crafers and Adelaide.
The first is located prior to the entrance to the Heysen Tunnels and the second is three kilometres further down just past the Mt Osmond Interchange
The signing for the arrester beds comprises approach advisory signs and clear pavement markings in the arrester bed entrances to indicate which lane to use.
[pic]
The arrester bed signs display the distance to the arrester bed at 600m, 500m 400m 300m 200m and 100m respectively, with the 600m sign showing a symbolic representation of the arrester bed.
The arrester bed signs for the second arrester bed displays LAST CHANCE on the 300m, 200m and 100m signs to indicate the last opportunity to use an arrester bed. Finally, a sign clearly indicates the entrance to the arrester bed.
Sharing the road with bicycle riders
Bicycles are a type of vehicle and bicycle riders and motorists have the same rights and responsibilities when using the road.
Bicycle riders must obey the same general road rules as motorists as well as the bicycle road rules.
Bicycle riders who break the law are subject to the same fines as motorists.
Laws for motorists passing bicycle riders
Motorists must stay wider of bicycle riders by giving a minimum of:
• 1m when passing a bicycle rider in a 60km/h or less speed zone
or
• 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h.
Passing a bicycle rider means that you (as a motorist) and the bicycle rider are travelling in the same direction. This includes when you are travelling side-by-side in separate lanes on a multi-lane road. It does not apply if you are travelling in opposite directions.
The passing distance is measured from:
• The rightmost part of the bicycle, or the person on the bicycle
to
• The leftmost part of the vehicle, or something sticking out from the vehicle (e.g. a side mirror).
The minimum passing distance applies even if the bicycle rider is riding around an obstacle.
These road rules apply to all motor vehicles—including cars, motorcycles, heavy vehicles and public transport vehicles.
Crossing lines to pass a bicycle rider
To pass a bicycle rider—as long as it is safe to do so—you are allowed to:
• drive over centre lines (including double unbroken centre lines) on a 2-way road
• straddle or cross a lane line (including a continuous lane line) on a multi-lane road
• drive on a painted island.
If it is not safe to pass a bicycle rider, you must wait until it is safe to pass.
Indicating when passing
Drivers must indicate when passing bicycle riders if they need to change their position on the road.
• Indicate 'right' long enough to warn other road users that you are about to veer right to pass a bicycle rider
• Then indicate 'left' when you have passed the bicycle rider and are returning to your original position on the road.
You must indicate if you need to change your position on the road, even if you do not need to cross the centre or lane lines.
Passing 2 bicycle riders riding side-by-side
If you want to pass 2 bicycle riders that are riding next to each other, the minimum passing distance applies to the bicycle rider closest to the right. It is legal for 2 bicycle riders to ride side-by-side on a road, as long as they are not more than 1.5m apart.
Check your blind spots
Bicycle riders are much smaller than cars and heavy vehicles, so they are harder to see. Check your blind spots before changing lanes, turning or when you open your car door.
Giving way
Make sure you treat bicycle riders like any other vehicles on the road. Give way to them when required and travel at a safe following distance.
Penalties
As a motorist, you will get 3 demerit points and a $400 fine if you do not give the minimum distance when you pass a bicycle rider. If the matter goes to court, a maximum fine of more than $5,300 can apply.
Be patient and considerate
Watch out for bicycle riders at all times, but especially at night, dawn or dusk. Be considerate and dip your headlights when approaching a bicycle rider at night.
Be patient. If it isn't safe to pass a bicycle rider, wait until it is safe. This should not hold you up for long and it could save the bicycle rider's life.
Turning left behind a bicycle rider
If a bicycle rider is ahead of you and you want to turn left, turn behind the bicycle rider. Overtaking and cutting off the bicycle rider is very dangerous.
Wet weather
Wet weather can cause the road to become oily or slippery and reduce visibility, so be extra careful around bicycle riders at these times.
About Chain of Responsibility
Changes to the Chain of Responsibility (CoR) laws were introduced on 1 October 2018. These changes aligned CoR laws more closely with workplace health and safety laws.
The aim of COR is to make sure everyone in the supply chain shares responsibility for ensuring breaches of the HVNL do not occur. Under COR laws if you are named as a party in the chain of responsibility and you exercise (or have the capability of exercising) control or influence over any transport task, you have a responsibility to ensure the HVNL is complied with.
The law recognises that multiple parties may be responsible for offences committed by the drivers and operators of heavy vehicles. A person may be a party in the supply chain in more than one way. For example they may have duties as the employer, the operator and the consigner of goods.
Legal liability applies to all parties for their actions or inactions.
Who are parties in the supply chain?
The parties in the Chain of Responsibility for a heavy vehicle are:
• an employer of a driver
• a prime contractor for the driver – if the vehicle’s driver is self-employed
• an operator of the vehicle
• a scheduler for the vehicle
• a loading manager for any goods in the vehicle
• a loader and/or unloader of a vehicle
• a consignor of any goods for transport by the vehicle
• a consignee of any goods in the vehicle
• a loader and/or unloader of any goods in the vehicle.
When could COR apply?
Some examples include:
• when a party has control or influence over a transport activity and fails to manage, so far as reasonably practicable, the risk it creates
• when a party’s business practices cause or encourage the driver of a heavy vehicle to exceed the speed limits
• when a party’s business practices cause or encourage the driver of a heavy vehicle to breach mass, dimension, or loading requirements
• where instructions, actions or demands to parties in the supply chain cause or contribute to an offence under the HVNL.
This includes any direction, requirement or demand that is given directly or indirectly to a driver of a heavy vehicle or a party in the chain of responsibility that has an impact on compliance, for example:
• a consignor or consignee has unrealistic contractual arrangements which causes or encourages the driver to exceed regulated driving hours or drive whilst fatigued.
• a schedulers business practices, requests or demands, cause or encourage the driver to exceed the speed limit.
Contracts that cause or encourage a driver of a heavy vehicle or a party in the chain of responsibility to break the law are illegal.
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MULTI-COMBINATION THEORY COURSE
SESSION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENT
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[pic]
19 metres
PERMIT VEHICLES CONFIGURATIONS
3 AXLE LOW LOADER
PRIME MOVER
PLATFORM
PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER
LOW LOADER DOLLY
STEERABLE JINKER
4 AXLE LOW LOADER
PRIME MOVER
LOW LOADER DOLLY
SKEL TRAILER
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