25 January 2017
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) is urging everyone on the road to make safety the priority and share the road safely over the Australia Day long weekend.
“The Australia Day long weekend is a great opportunity to visit friends and family, but it’s important to stay safe on the roads while you are away”, Chief Executive Officer of the ATA, Ben Maguire, said.
“There is an increased number of vehicles on the road, so make common sense and caution a priority and manage your fatigue. If you don’t feel up to driving, if you’re tired or feeling unwell take a break, or let another driver takeover”, Mr. Maguire said.
The ATA has developed a short animated video of the Volvo ATA Safety Truck that will be played on TV stations around Australia over the long weekend.
The video recommends a few simple tips for motorists to help make everyone’s trips safer.
- Stay out of truck blind spots. If you sit in the blind spots immediately behind a truck or close to the left passenger door, the driver may not know you are there. Remember if you cannot see the truck’s side mirror’s while behind the truck, you’re too close and the truck driver cannot see you! Cutting in front of a truck can also put you in the forward blind spot.
- Don’t cut in front of trucks as they slow for traffic lights or when you’re out on the highway. A truck needs a greater distance to stop than you expect, because they are much heavier than cars.
- Don’t overtake trucks when they are turning. Trucks often need to turn from the centre lane at intersections and corners, so stay well back.
- Stick to the speed limit and take regular rest breaks.
Road users can watch the animated road safety video and download the full list of truckie’s top tips at www.safetytruck.com.au
Celebrate Australia Day safely while everyone is on the road.