National Interest

It's never a comfortable feeling to be hemmed in by a B-double and anyone who's driven a major stretch of interstate highway in Australia will probably have had cause to curse a truck driver. Long-haul truckies don't enjoy a great reputation, however they may deserve some public sympathy. After all, they've signed up to one of the most dangerous professions around, and if drivers speed, or pop pills, or skimp on maintenance... well, that's probably because of the way they're paid. A report prepared for the the National Transport Commission has reviewed 20 years of research and found clear evidence of a link between remuneration and safety. In other words, linking pay to truckies' ability to meet impossible schedules is a recipe for disaster.

Guests

Professor Michael Quinlan
Australian School of Business, University of New South Wales

Further Information

Remuneration and Safety in the Australian Heavy Vehicle Industry: A Review undertaken for the National Transport Commission

Presenter

Peter Mares

Producer

James Panichi

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