Threatening and aggressive driving risks lives
31 May 2024
VicForests wishes to alert you, your members and associates of the serious risks and hazards from threatening and aggressive driving targeting log trucks and other forestry workers.
On 30 May 2024 a log truck driver was harassed by another vehicle after leaving Bullarto and travelling to Gippsland via the M1 before being intercepted by police at Longwarry. This extremely dangerous incident included tailgating, swerving and driving without headlights in the dark. The vehicle in question has been observed at locations of protests being undertaken in the last 3 weeks.
This deliberate behaviour is extremely dangerous, threatening and criminal. It has the potential to cause serious injury or even death to the occupants of the vehicles involved and other road users.
The legal offences of such actions may include:
- offences under the Road Safety Act, such as driving in a manner dangerous to the public
- stalking
- dangerous driving causing death or serious injury.
Inciting this type of action is also illegal under the Crimes Act.
VicForests will involve the police when made aware of these dangerous and potentially criminal activities and any information we have will be passed onto the police.
VicForests requests that all potentially life-threatening activities such as this, and any activity that can reasonably be considered as threating or harassing, are ceased and actively discouraged by the organisations involved. If injury or a fatality results from this activity, those involved will be held accountable.
VicForests will continue to do everything reasonably practicable to protect the health and wellbeing and safety of our staff, contractors and the public. VicForests seeks your co-operation on this matter to ensure the health and safety of all persons. We would appreciate if you could convey the content of this alert to your members and associates.