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Anti Rollaway Solutions have been available for 25 years
Most people are horrified when they hear of a truck driver being run over by their own vehicle.
Sadly, this continues to be a feature of our national road toll, causing anguish for family members and work colleagues, those at the scene, and the wider trucking industry.
Last month in Brisbane a truck driver was rolled over by his own vehicle after he pulled over to inspect his truck.
The accident happened around 5 am on the Gateway Motorway on-ramp at Old Cleveland Road.
The man, tragically, sustained critical injuries and was declared deceased at the scene by emergency workers.
The single-vehicle crash closed two busy northbound lanes causing significant delays, according to media reports.
“This is a regrettable tragedy and something that should NOT be happening in 2025,” said Scott McPherson, Managing Director of SGESCO-MAX.
The technology to prevent such a tragedy has been commercially available for 25 years, he noted.
“In 2000 SGESCO-MAX introduced the MAX-SAFE Anti Rollaway Brake System TM that automatically brakes a vehicle if the engine is on, the park brake not applied, and the seat vacated.
“It was designed to protect – first and foremost – truck drivers from this very scenario, as well as protect vulnerable road users, other vehicles, and property.”
Rollaway vehicles are extremely dangerous and can do untold damage because they have no driver.
Even if the vehicle is idle on a flat without the park brake applied it can creep and roll over someone.
“The driver or other occupant doesn’t have to be under the vehicle to be killed in such a situation,” said Scott. “They can be inspecting something at the front or rear – or have their back to the vehicle – and be knocked over.”
Driverless vehicles that roll away on an incline are even more of a threat because of velocity and unpredictability. Vehicles have been known to roll over inclines, smash fences and crash into unsuspecting houses.
“The number one priority for most organisations – particularly in the trucking industry – is safety. They want what we all want – for people to be able to walk through the door of their homes at the end of the day,” said Scott.
“An equal tenet is that people are human and make mistakes, which is why having insurance – fail-safe measures in place – for driver oversight – makes good business sense.
“Above all else, heavy vehicle companies are legally required through Chain of Responsibility Law to take a proactive approach to safety management to avoid or minimise risk to the public. This extends to identifying risk and implementing appropriate control measures.
“Protecting one’s staff is of equal importance as protecting the public,” said Scott.
With the average heavy vehicle truck in Australia in operation for over 29 years, the cost to install an effective Anti-Rollaway solution would amortise to just a few hundred dollars a year.
“This is a doable for any heavy vehicle company serious about safety,” noted Scott.
“For the families involved, losing a loved one due to the lack of a $5K safety device would be a bitter pill to swallow.’