As of July 2014, all new heavy trailers will be required to have Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) or load proportioning brake systems, according to new laws announced by the Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development, Jamie Briggs.
"This move will bring more modern and safer braking systems into the Australian heavy vehicle fleet," the Minister said in a statement released in January, adding that the change is predicted to "save over 50 lives on Australian roads over 30 years".
The change to safety standards for heavy trailers will complement the recent mandating of ABS for new heavy trucks and buses, scheduled to commence at the same time.
The new standards were welcomed by the Australian Trucking Association. Chief Executive, Stuart St Clair, said the requirement would help truck drivers retain control of their vehicles in emergency situations, such as when braking hard on a wet road.
The mandating of ABS or load proportioning brake systems on all new heavy vehicles and trailers represents the completion of the first phase of the National Heavy Vehicle Braking Strategy.
In line with the National Road Safety Strategy, the next phase of work will consider even more advanced braking technology such as Electronic Stability Control.