For truck owners and operators considering a new truck purchase, the recent government mandates regarding Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) for new heavy vehicles are of significant importance. In a media statement released on March 4th, the Australian Government officially announced its decision to mandate these life-saving technologies for new vehicles in the heavy vehicle segment.
Kevin Hogan, the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, made the announcement, emphasizing that the implementation of both AEB and ESC technologies would not only save lives but also prevent numerous injuries on Australian roads.
According to Mr. Hogan, the government is deeply committed to enhancing road safety through substantial investments, recognizing that vehicle technology plays a pivotal role in saving lives and safeguarding people's livelihoods on the road. This commitment led to the introduction of these new standards, with the mandate projected to prevent over 2300 injuries over a span of 40 years and save around 100 lives.
Beyond the vital aspect of saving lives, the incorporation of these vehicle safety technologies will provide extra reassurance to operators and their families, while also offering substantial benefits to the industry as a whole. Mr. Hogan underlined the severity of crashes involving heavy vehicles due to their size, loads, and the nature of their trips. He acknowledged the significant contribution of heavy vehicle operators in keeping the economy functioning by ensuring goods reach their destinations, and he stressed the government's responsibility to ensure operators' safety on the nation's roadways.
The decision to mandate AEB and ESC technologies is a response to the calls from road safety advocates, state and territory bodies, and individuals directly affected by accidents involving heavy vehicles. ESC systems for heavy vehicles are anticipated to reduce the occurrence of loss of control and subsequent rollover crashes by up to 30%. Likewise, AEB systems are expected to decrease rear-end collisions by up to 57%.
This government action reflects a proactive approach to enhancing road safety standards and underscores the commitment to ensuring the well-being of both heavy vehicle operators and all road users.
Implementation of the Technology Mandate
The newly introduced mandates for Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems are applicable across all heavy vehicle categories, encompassing trucks, coaches, and buses. Assistant Minister Kevin Hogan emphasized that these requirements are aligned with international standards, ensuring that the safest vehicles will be accessible to local operators at the most cost-effective rates.
To facilitate a smooth transition for manufacturers and vehicle owners, the implementation of these systems will occur in a phased manner. As per the new mandates, both AEB and ESC systems must be integrated into all new models of heavy vehicles starting from November 1, 2023. For existing models that are already in circulation, the compliance deadline is set for November 1, 2024, for buses and February 1, 2025, for trucks weighing over 3.5 tonnes.
This phased approach takes into account the need for adequate time to adjust to the new requirements, ensuring a gradual adoption that maximizes safety benefits without disrupting the industry's operations. The synchronization with international standards highlights the commitment to fostering a safer and more efficient road environment for all heavy vehicle operators and road users.
More detail on the legislation can be sourced at www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022L00211/Download for the AEB rulings and https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2022L00213/Download for ESC.
Industry Reactions
Todd Hacking, the Chief Executive of the Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA), hailed the announcement by Minister Hogan as a "major milestone" in the industry. Mr. Hacking stressed that integrating these advanced safety features into new vehicles is a highly effective proactive approach to enhancing road safety.
Expressing the HVIA's satisfaction with the designation of Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems as benchmarks for heavy vehicles, Mr. Hacking emphasized that potential buyers need not wait for the mandate's implementation. He urged prospective buyers to prioritize safety and advised against compromising on the inclusion of these technologies when presented with the option. By choosing to equip their vehicles with these safety features, new buyers can contribute to a safer road environment and demonstrate a commitment to the wellbeing of both operators and the broader community.
Impacts for New Truck Buyers and Truck Loans
With new trucks having very long lifespans, those considering new vehicle purchases may be astute to look towards models which either have AEB and ESC already fitted or where the option is available to install these systems prior to delivery.
Not only will this save the off the road time to fit the systems when the deadline approaches, it can allow for the any additional costs involved to be included in the new truck loan. By requesting inclusion at the time of purchase from the truck dealer or manufacturer, your Jade Truck Loan consultant can include the price in the overall loan amount.
Inclusion of additional safety systems does not impact the features or pricing of a truck loan. The same range of loan products – Chattel Mortgage for truck & trailer finance, Commercial Hire Purchase, Truck Lease financing and Rent to Own, would apply. The same interest rate also applies.
Finance is available for new operators with No Docs truck loans & truck leasing at highly competitive and cost-effective interest rates.
Contact Jade Truck Loans on 1300 000 003 for cheap interest rate truck loans.
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