Vic: Trucks should improve safety to reduce fatal crashes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
Vic: Trucks should improve safety to reduce fatal crashes

Operators of heavy trucks have been urged to improve their safety .. even though there's
been a drop in the number of fatal truck crashes.

The Federal Infrastructure Department says 245 people were killed in crashes involving
trucks across Australia last year .. compared to 260 in 2007.

But the figures show a slight rise in fatalities where heavy rigid trucks are involved
.. with a fall in crashes involving semi trailers.

The 2007 figures include the Kerang rail crash in Victoria when a truck collided with
a passenger train killing 11 people .. and the Burnley Tunnel crash in Melbourne where
three people died.

Australian Trucking Association chairman TREVOR MARTYN has called for operators of
rigid trucks in particular to upgrade safety measures .. including making sure drivers
are fit for work.

AAP RTV md/pmu/crh

KEYWORD: TRUCKS (MELBOURNE)

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