Both the Logging Truck Safety Council and Automobile Association (AA) have spoken out against claims that the log transport industry is excessively dangerous.
Logging truck accidents have been reported a causing 11 deaths in 2012, but Logging Truck Safety Council secretary Bruce Nairn says many of these have been incorrectly reported.
Negative opinion of the industry lingers following a number of high profile accidents in the 1990s – these in turn led to a change in operating rules and vehicle configurations.
“There were issues around centre of gravity and the loading of logging trucks, which were addressed through amending the rules and procedures,” says AA spokesman Mark Stockdale.
“These had a huge positive impact on logging truck safety.”
Stockdale says despite media reports, logging truck accidents were not an issue that had been brought to the AA’s attention this year.
