Tweed Court: Truckie hauls for 14.5 hours non-stop
COMBINE an infallible work ethic with the pressure to get the job done and it can make for a dangerous situation.
Raymond Edgar Smith appeared in Murwillumbah Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to charges of driving a truck for more than 12 hours in a day.
Smith stopped at the Pacific Highway at Chinderah for a compliance check on July 12 this year, his logbook indicating he had driven for a yawn-inducing 14.5 hours straight.
"I thought it was ok because I had a seven hour rest," Smith said to the police officer who checked his logbook.
Smith was unclear of exact requirements of rest periods and restricted driving time required for heavy vehicle drivers and was remorseful the incident occurred.
Magistrate Michael Dakin took the circumstances into account, issuing Smith with a $550 fine, which included $150 professional costs to NSW Roads and Maritime Services.
