The Open Road program is an initiative developed and delivered by the Tasmanian Transport Association in collaboration with Rural Alive and Well (RAW), the Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association (TTOOA) and the Royal Flying Doctor Service Tas (RFDS), with the objective of improving the mental and physical health of truck drivers within Tasmania’s transport industry.

The Tasmanian economy and broader community are critically dependent on a safe, efficient, and sustainable road transport industry, with truck drivers forming the foundation of this essential workforce.  With an increasing freight task, it is imperative that the health, safety, and wellbeing of these workers are given the highest priority.

In an industry defined by self-reliance, long hours, isolation, and an entrenched culture of simply ‘getting on with it’, many transport workers are hesitant to speak up about stress, fatigue, or health issues – particularly when their job depends on meeting strict commercial fitness standards.  Traditional support services often don’t reflect the unique demands of life on the road, and many not be accessible by drivers.  The Open Road program was created to respond to this gap – raising awareness about the importance of developing and maintaining good physical and mental health, and providing options for direct intervention  to provide support before issues escalate.

Funded by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator for a pilot, and now supported with funds from the Tasmanian Government, Open Road is a multi channel, grassroots and industry focussed campaign to open up conversations and provide support to drive improved physical and mental health and wellbeing for Tasmania’s critical freight transport workforce.

Open Road is further supported by NTI and Team Super.