Transport Company Proves Rehabilitation is Possible

One transport company is proving that truck crashes aren’t always as a result of company negligence, and proving to be the “RMS poster-child for rehabilitation”.

The subsidiary of a large transport company, whose vehicle was involved in a truck rollover, submitted to testing of 16 vehicles and has been given the all-clear for all vehicles.

Last week a truck from the company’s fleet was involved in a rollover on the Great Western Highway. The company then volunteered another 15 trucks from its fleet for inspections and the New South Wales Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) took up the challenge at its Wetherill Park inspection station.

The parent company of the subsidiary whose truck was involved in the rollover, have been given the all-clear from road authorities after having 16 vehicles tested by road authorities.

After a gas tanker crash last week, which resulted in one motorist being badly injured, the firm was quick to act in offering 15 of its trucks for safety inspections voluntarily.

The fleet was passed by RMS and NSW Police, including the truck that had been involved in last week’s rollover.

RMS director of safety and compliance, Peter Wells explained that the joint traffic taskforce conducted the inspection of 16 vehicles after the one truck was involved in an accident last week, with all the trucks passing with no defects.

Mr Wells explained in a recent article on Fullyloaded.com.au

“Cootes has been under examination by the taskforce since the fatal crash in Mona Vale in October 2013 and the 100 per cent compliance result of these units shows our stringent regime is working,” Wells says.

“A team of investigators has been working closely with Cootes to ensure the company complies with strict business processes and mechanical regimes, which has resulted in a significant improvement and upgrade in Cootes’ vehicle fleet.

“It is important and pleasing to be able to assure the community that this compliance process is effective and these vehicles are safe to operate on our roads.

“NSW has the toughest compliance and enforcement regime in Australia and we support industry efforts to ensure this critical industry operates safely and legally.”

Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au

Police acting assistant commissioner, Stuart Smith of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command said the crash investigation continues and the inspections were necessary to ensure road safety.

He explained the importance of the joint taskforce working quickly to mobilise and respond fast to crashes, to ensure that heavy vehicles are compliant and our roads are safe.

Mr Smith explained that since authorities had begun the joint enforcement programs, there had been a significant decline in the number of fatal heavy vehicle crashes. He went on to explain,

“There has been a 14 per cent reduction in heavy vehicle fatal crashes and a 24 per cent reduction in related deaths since 2012, which can be attributed in part to the joint enforcement programs.

“The joint traffic taskforce will continue to promote safety by ensuring heavy vehicle drivers and operators are observing road traffic law.”

Source: http://www.fullyloaded.com.au