NHVR issues urgent warning for truck drivers travelling down steep descents

Steep mountain descents have long presented one of the most challenging and dangerous scenarios for heavy vehicle operators, requiring not just technical skill but unwavering vigilance and proper vehicle preparation. Recent tragic events on New South Wales’ Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley have brought this critical safety issue into sharp focus, with multiple serious incidents—including two fatal crashes in the past year—highlighting the potentially catastrophic consequences when proper descent protocols aren’t followed. The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has issued an urgent warning to the industry following these incidents, emphasizing that locations like Bulli Pass are becoming increasingly notorious for vehicle accidents. This alert serves as both a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in navigating steep terrain and a call to action for drivers and operators to prioritize fundamental safety practices that can mean the difference between a safe journey and disaster.

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) is urging heavy vehicle drivers to exercise extreme caution when travelling down steep descents, following a series of serious incidents occurring on Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley in New South Wales.

NHVR Director of Central Region Brett Patterson said Bulli Pass was the scene of two fatal crashes involving a heavy vehicle last year, tragically resulting in two lives lost and multiple serious injuries.

“Over the past few years, we have seen many trucks lose control down these steep descents, leading to serious damage to both vehicles and infrastructure, delays and serious road trauma,” Mr Patterson said.

“Just last month, there was a tragic fatal incident on Bulli Pass where a truck travelling down the descent went through the guardrail and down an embankment at the hairpin bend.

“The NHVR is also aware of several dangerous close calls, where heavy vehicles have had to use safety ramps or arrester beds to avoid an incident.”

Mr Patterson said steep descents can present a significant safety risk to heavy vehicles, with the spate of recent collisions raising concern about the safety of drivers travelling down these roads.

The NHVR is reminding drivers to follow the steep descent warning signs and shift to a low gear before beginning a descent, to ensure they maintain a safe, controlled speed and prevent excessive wear on brakes.

In NSW, if the driver of a truck or bus is driving on a road to which a trucks and buses low gear sign applies, the driver must drive the vehicle in a gear that is low enough to limit the speed without the use of a primary brake.

“Drivers shouldn’t over-rely on brakes, as they can overheat – by selecting a low enough gear that they can descend without use of the service brake, the service brake can be used in an emergency without having the brake overheat,” Mr Patterson explained.

“Drivers and operators should also frequently be inspecting and maintaining their brakes, faulty brakes can drastically reduce the ability to stop safely, particularly in emergencies.”

Operators should also be taking the skill and experience of the driver into consideration, making certain they are sufficiently informed about the risks and have the appropriate training to safely undertake the descent.

Mr Patterson said drivers should always plan their journey, taking both descents and rest stops into account.

“Unfortunately, descents like Bulli Pass are becoming notorious for vehicle accidents – that’s why we’re calling for drivers to always err on the side of caution, to protect themselves, and all other road users,” he said.

“Keep an eye out for the road signs that apply, follow their directions and never go over the limit – safety should be the top priority.”

Read more about managing the risks associated with heavy vehicles travelling down steep descents here.

The series of incidents on Bulli Pass and Mount Ousley underscores a fundamental truth about heavy vehicle safety: proper technique and vehicle maintenance on steep descents are non-negotiable elements of professional driving. The NHVR’s urgent warning emphasizes practices that should be standard for every driver—selecting appropriately low gears before beginning descents, avoiding over-reliance on service brakes, maintaining brake systems rigorously, and heeding posted warning signs. For operators, this means ensuring drivers have both the technical training and route-specific knowledge necessary to navigate challenging terrain safely. With several close calls and tragic fatalities already on record, these steep descents demand respect and cautious approach from every heavy vehicle driver. The message is clear: when it comes to negotiating steep descents, there is no substitute for preparation, proper technique, and an abundance of caution—the lives of drivers and all other road users depend on it.

Information sourced from: https://www.nhvr.gov.au/news/2025/01/23/nhvr-issues-urgent-warning-for-truck-drivers-travelling-down-steep-descents