Descending in steep mountains

When driving downhill, trucks must prepare before the descent and remain cautious until reaching the bottom of the hill.

Before descending with a heavy vehicle, make sure your equipment is secured, and your brakes are properly adjusted. Slow down, switch to a lower gear as needed and watch out for steep descent signs.

As you’re travelling down a steep descent, keep your speed low and look ahead for potential hazards to stay safe.

Fatigue management

Truckies must follow work and rest requirements so that they are not driving while tired.

The longer you are awake, the more fatigue you’ll get.

Never feel pressured to drive while fatigued and take a break at designated rest stops.

Find out more info on Fatigue management | NHVR

Over-height trucks

Avoid putting yourself and others at risk by knowing your vehicle and load height.

Bridge strikes mean a truckload of trouble.

More information on: General mass and dimension limits | NHVR

Heavy Vehicle route maps

Plan your trip ahead with the Queensland Globe and National Network Map.

The National Network Map brings everyone from the heavy vehicle industry together to map journeys across state and territory borders for the entire fleet.

The Queensland Globe allows truck drivers to create, download and print maps to best suit their journey.

Safe following / braking distances

  • In an emergency, the average driver takes about 1.5 seconds to react, so truck drivers must leave extra space when driving behind another motorist.
  • Truck drivers must leave at least a 60m gap behind other vehicles. Road trains must leave a gap of at least 200m.

Classes of heavy vehicles

National Heavy Vehicle Regulator

  • National Heavy Vehicle Regulator is Australia’s independent regulator for all vehicles over 4.5 tonnes in mass, learn more about their work! Visit the NHVR website.

Campaigns

Bridge Strikes

Increasing drivers’ awareness around the consequences of bridge strikes.

Learn more

Other Campaigns

Find out more safety campaigns by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

Find out more