The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has launched its latest heavy vehicle safety resource to help drivers cope with steep descents.
The Mount Ousley Steep Descent Resource, relevant to what many drivers see as the notorious Illawarra Descent, was launched at the National Road Freighters Association (NRFA) Annual Conference in Wollongong.
The resource is a significant milestone in the NTARC’s ongoing mission to reduce heavy vehicle incidents through peer-led, impactful safety resources.
The project features a detailed instructional video and a “Hill on a Page” quick-reference guide specifically designed for the notorious Mount Ousley descent.
To ensure the advice is practical and grounded in real-world experience, NTARC partnered with local transport operator, Ross Transport.
As a third-generation Wollongong business, Ross Transport’s drivers navigate the escarpment daily, making them the leading authorities on the unique challenges of the route.
“Mount Ousley is a beast of a hill, and it doesn’t matter if you’ve been driving for two years or twenty; if you don’t respect it, it can catch you out,” said Ross Transport Business Manager, True Ross.
“We’re proud to put our name to this project. Our fleet is a part of this community, and we want every driver—especially those visiting the Illawarra for the first time—to get to the bottom safely.
“This isn’t just about technical rules; it’s about sharing the ‘local’s knowledge’ on gear selection and speed management before the descent even begins.”
The Mount Ousley resource is part of a series of site-specific safety tools.
By combining high-production video featuring the well-known Ross Transport fleet with concise, “hard copy” guides, NTARC aims to provide operators with a turnkey solution for driver induction and “Toolbox Talk” sessions.
Features of the Mount Ousley resource include:
- Localised Video Insights: Step-by-step visual walkthroughs of the descent, including gear engagement points and brake cooling strategies.
- “Hill on a Page” Guide: A high-impact PDF summary highlighting mandatory 40km/h zones, safety ramp locations, and critical decision points.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Advice delivered by professional drivers who live and work in the Illawarra heartland.
The resources are available for free to all transport operators and can be accessed at NTARC’s dedicated portal.
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