Joint Traffic Taskforce Officers from the NSW Police Traffic & Highway Patrol Command working alongside RMS inspectors have conducted a compliance operation targeting the transport company whose truck was involved in a fatal crash on the M1 on Monday, NSW Police say.
Emergency services were called to the southbound lanes of the M1, about 1km south of the Freemans Drive interchange, about 12.50pm (Monday 15 January 2018).
Three trucks collided, resulting in a large explosion and fire. The trucks and a car were destroyed in the fire.
The 50-year-old male driver of a semi-trailer died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
The driver of a stationary semi-trailer, a 34-year-old man, was uninjured and taken to John Hunter Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
The driver of a B-double fuel tanker, a 67-year-old, was uninjured and taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
The driver of a Holden commodore suffered minor burns and was taken to Wyong Hospital.
As a result of the crash, about 8am today (Wednesday 17 January 2018), police and RMS officials conducted a compliance operation targeting the transport company that the deceased driver worked for, at the RMS Heavy Vehicle Inspection Station on Victoria Street, Wetherill Park.
During the operation 16 of the company’s trucks and trailers were inspected, resulting in:
- Five minor defects issued for various mechanical and compliance issues, including for leaf spring suspension, inoperative headlights, rear marker plates damaged, turn table insecure, and defective brakes.
- One major defect issued for defective seat belt.
- One trailer was found to have cancelled registration.
- A driver from Queensland had his driving privileges withdrawn based on other traffic offences.
- Two non-compliant Engine Control Modules (ECMs) due to speed settings.
"The recent tragic crashes involving trucks are unacceptable and we will continue to work closely with NSW Police to ensure drivers and companies improve their safety and compliance," Roads and Maritime Services Director Compliance Roger Weeks said.
"Today our inspectors supported NSW Police during an investigation into the company involved in the fatality on the M1 on Monday.
"The operation is another warning to operators to be aware they will be targeted and they will be removed from our roads if they are found to be unsafe."
Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy of the state's Traffic & Highway Patrol Command said non compliance was not an option for heavy vehicle operators on NSW roads.
"To have a double fatality yesterday at Dubbo involving a heavy vehicle, and another three fatalities involving trucks the day before, calls for not only a focus by the Joint Traffic Taskforce, but also the industry."
"Those drivers, owners, operators, loaders, and customers right throughout the supply chain should all have a safety and compliance focus."
"Not only should those trucks and trailers be roadworthy, drivers should be fit and able to drive on our roads in accordance with fatigue management practices."
"Now is the time for all of those in the 'Chain of Responsibility' to take their obligations seriously, or face this sort of a response from the Joint Traffic Taskforce," Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
